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A Neighbourhood Plan is a document which sets out policies for a local area in relation to a number of local issues. It can cover any or all of the following:

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  • Maintenance and enhancement of local green space

  • Protection of the environment and biodiversity

  • Protection of local historic and heritage assets

  • Provision of appropriate development sympathetic to the local surroundings

  • Maintenance and improvements to footpaths and cycle-ways

  • Issues relating to traffic

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The Neighbourhood Plan can also include any number of community aspirations for example:

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  • Improvements to public transport

  • provision of a community bus

  • Improvements and additions to local community services

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It is written by the local community who are the best people to understand the area they live in and say what should happen in their community.

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When the Neighbourhood Plan has undergone a legal process of "examination" and passed a local referendum, it becomes part of the Local Plan. It is used to decide whether to approve planning applications, including new buildings or changes to existing buildings.

Neighbourhood Plans can be very simple and concise, or go into considerable detail where people want. Local communities will be able to use neighbourhood planning to grant full or outline planning permission in areas where they most want to see new homes and businesses, making it easier and quicker for development to go ahead. Provided a neighbourhood development plan is in line with national planning policy, with the strategic vision for the wider area set by the local authority, and with other legal requirements, local people will be able to vote on it in a referendum. If the plan is approved by a majority of those who vote, then the local authority will bring it into force.

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