Information on Neighbourhood Planning

What is Neighbourhood Planning?

Neighbourhood planning is a way of communities being actively involved with the future development of their local area.

Giving local communities the opportunity to plan their designated area, by writing their own development plans. This gives more power to communities by being involved at a local level in planning, getting the right kind of development in the right place and voted on by a community referendum.

This will enable those who live and work in a designated area the right to choose where they want new homes, offices and shops to be built and what they should look like.

Why does neighbourhood planning matter?

The local planning system helps to decide what gets built, when and where. This process is vital for economic growth whilst protecting the natural environment and improving the communities quality of life. It encourages the right kind of development in the right location.

Through the Localism Act 2011 the Government has given communities the choice to be involved in local planning by giving the power back to local people, businesses and councils.

Your plan must be in conformity with Strategic Planning Policy.

What is the background?

The Localism Act 2011 provided a new statutory regime for neighbourhood planning introduced through the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012 which provide the legal framework within which neighbourhood plans must comply?

What it can’t do?

Neighbourhood Plans cannot decide on Greenbelt boundaries, or housing numbers; most highway matters and quality of roads. These are matters for the Local Planning Authority, Northumberland County Council.

How does it work?

Front Street. Copyright of Robert Miller

• Simply there are 5 basic stages in the process
• Identify the plan area
• Preparing the plan
• Independent examination
• Community Referendum
• Legal Status

How long can this take?

The process can take between 2-4 years