What is a neighbourhood plan?
A neighbourhood development plan, known as a neighbourhood plan, is written by local people, ‘made’ or adopted by the district council and becomes part of the development plan, which helps to decide planning applications. It takes national planning policy and guidance into account and is ‘in general conformity’ with the district’s planning policy.
Who prepares a neighbourhood plan?
Most neighbourhood plans in this district are prepared by town or parish councils but parish meetings need to set up a neighbourhood forum. This is made up of 21 or more people who live, work or run a business in the neighbourhood area. They have similar neighbourhood plan writing powers as town or parish councils.
If your neighbourhood plan meets basic conditions, set out in law and checked by an independent examiner, your community will have the opportunity to vote on the plan at referendum. If more than 50% of the people who vote say ‘yes’ the district council will formally ‘make’ your plan and use it to help decide planning matters.
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