Parameters and objectives
Neighbourhood Plan
Submitting the Plan
The referendum
With you every step of the way
Neighbourhood Plans were introduced in 2011 through the Localism Act. They give powers for local groups to shape the way their area develops in the future. The process to adoption is very similar to other local plan documents and ends with a public referendum where a community votes in support or opposition of the plans. Our team have experience of guiding a Parish Council through the process to a successful referendum, for example: in local village Lytchett Matravers (www.lmnp.org.uk).
Establishing parameters and objectives
There are a number of strict criteria that a Neighbourhood Plan must satisfy and funding is available to qualifying interested groups to ensure that adequate support is available. One of the benefits of having a plan in place is that more money from developer contributions is given to the community to spend on the infrastructure projects they prioritise, which can in itself be a good objective of putting a plan in place, what it cannot be used for is to stifle development.
Drafting the Neighbourhood Plan
Although it is still a relatively fresh concept (in planning terms) HLF Planning Ltd has first-hand experience of the process.
We can scale up or down our advice dependant on your requirements and are also happy to speak at public exhibitions and consultation events.
Explaining the process to interested community members who have limited planning experience prior to starting the plan is vitally important to save abortive work.
Drafting the Neighbourhood Plan
Although it is still a relatively fresh concept (in planning terms) HLF Planning Ltd has first-hand experience of the process.
We can scale up or down our advice dependant on your requirements and are also happy to speak at public exhibitions and consultation events.
Explaining the process to interested community members who have limited planning experience prior to starting the plan is vitally important to save abortive work.
Submitting the Neighbourhood Plan
The plan is considered by an Inspector prior to it going to public referendum, so you need to make sure it is watertight and complies with local and national policy.
It may also be subject to an Examination in Public, in which case having a professional advocate representing you could help decide whether a policy is put forward or struck out by the Inspector.
The referendum
The referendum requires a majority vote of over 50% of eligible votes of those that turn out. A lot of work is required to get a Neighbourhood Plan to the referendum stage and failing to secure the required majority because of poor communication is the worst possible outcome.
To avoid this, we have experience of holding workshops for residents to attend to explain the purpose of the plan and what it means for them which you may want to consider prior to the referendum.
The referendum
The referendum requires a majority vote of over 50% of eligible votes of those that turn out. A lot of work is required to get a Neighbourhood Plan to the referendum stage and failing to secure the required majority because of poor communication is the worst possible outcome.
To avoid this, we have experience of holding workshops for residents to attend to explain the purpose of the plan and what it means for them which you may want to consider prior to the referendum.