Neighbourhood planning was introduced as a new power to communities by the Localism Act 2011. Local planning authorities have a legal duty to support the development of neighbourhood plans and orders.

There are two types of neighbourhood planning:

• neighbourhood plans

• neighbourhood development orders

Neighbourhood plans

Neighbourhood planning is designed to be a positive process, aimed at planning for new development to meet local needs. It cannot be used to stop development in an area, but it can help to shape and guide where development is located.

A neighbourhood plan will form part of the borough’s statutory development plan which will be used in the determination of planning applications.

Neighbourhood plans must be in general conformity with the strategic policies within the adopted local plan. This includes up to date housing targets.

We have prepared a neighbourhood planning guide that sets out the key considerations and stages of preparing a neighbourhood plan. It also includes a list of frequently asked questions.

Neighbourhood development orders

These can grant planning permission for certain types of development without the need to submit a planning application to the council.

Examples could include:

• minor residential development such as extensions or windows

• town centre development such as changes of use or signage

• minor development in an industrial estate.

Further information and advice:

• National Planning Practice Guidance on Neighbourhood Planning:
• Planning Advisory Service Neighbourhood planning guidance:
• Neighbourhood Planning, Locality
• Neighbourhood Planning regulatory process: The Neighbourhood Planning (general) Regulations 2012.