The Localism Act gives local communities greater control over the development of their areas.
It enables a community, whether it's a group of residents, employees or businesses, to have a say in where new development should go, what it should look like and also gives the power to grant planning permission.
Neighbourhood planning can cover any one of these areas:
Neighbourhood development plan
Communities can use a neighbourhood plan to create a vision for their area, establishing general planning policies for the development and use of land. This could be where new homes should be built and what types of materials should be used, or where public open space should be located and how it will be maintained. The plan must conform to our adopted Local Plan 1999-2006 and the emerging Local Plan 2012-28. As such, it can't be used to reduce the amount or type of development currently planned for.
Neighbourhood development order
Communities will have the power to grant planning permission for certain types of development in their area, such as residential extensions, without the need to seek formal planning permission. As with a neighbourhood plan, a neighbourhood development order must meet certain conditions, such as conforming to national policies and strategic local policies. It must also gain a majority vote at a referendum.
Community right to build order
This is a type of neighbourhood development order that enables a community, such as a community interest company or community land trust, to bring forward specific developments in their area. Any benefits these schemes bring will remain within the community to be used for maintaining or enhancing community facilities.
Neighbourhood plans are prepared by parish or town councils.
We provide help with preparing a plan, such as sharing evidence or providing advice on planning policies. Help may also be sought from the county council on highways or education issues.