The Localism Act 2011 has introduced a new element to the planning system for England in the form of ‘Neighbourhood Planning'.
Neighbourhood Plans, once made, form part of the Statutory Development Plan for the area which they cover. Additional information about grant funding is available.
The Act introduced new planning tools to allow communities to shape and manage new development in their local areas to include:
- Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDPs)
NDPs in Worcester can be prepared only by Parish Councils or a Neighbourhood Forum. NDPs allow a partnership of neighbourhoods, including businesses, residents and interested parties to develop policies that, subject to an independent examination and community referendum, will become part of the planning framework for land uses in their local area.
- Neighbourhood Development Orders (NDO) & Community Right to Build (CRB)
Communities can use a NDO or a CRB to permit the development they want to see in their area without the need to obtain specific planning permission. This could be identified through a statutory (governed by planning law) or non - statutory (not subject to planning law) document.
View Neighbourhood Area designations within Worcester City and progress on Neighbourhood Plans.
Further funding for neighbourhood plans:
For further information about the additional funding and timescales please follow the link to Department of Communities and Local Government webpage.
Further information and support for Neighbourhood Planning are available to view on the links below:
Design Council provides Neighbourhood Planning toolkits, briefs and guidance
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) are leading the Supporting Communities and Neighbourhoods in Planning (SCNP) project in the West of England
The Prince's Foundation is an educational charity, promoting sustainable development and community engagement to improve urban areas.
Locality: The Building Community Consortium provides free support, advice, guidance to help local groups create a neighbourhood plan:
Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional planning advice to communities and individuals who cannot afford to pay professional fees. Through funding from Communities and Local Government, the organisation has set up a useful website for people to share their experiences around ‘Neighbourhood Planning'. Our Neighbourhood Planning website includes a forum to support people and communities who are using new powers under the Localism Act 2011 to create neighbourhood plans. The website has forums and discussion groups about preparing a neighbourhood plan, provides opportunity to learn about what is happening in other areas, how to liaise with local planning authorities and advice on community engagement. There are also useful resources and information about neighbourhood planning events in England.
