The Hoe Neighbourhood Plan was developed by a working group within the Hoe Neighbourhood Forum to ensure the Hoe continues to be a thriving and successful neighbourhood in the city of Plymouth. The Localism Act 2011 gave communities the right to produce a neighbourhood plan defining policies to shape future development in their area.
The Forum has been consulting local residents since 2017 on what they would like to see in the area. In 2021 the community was consulted on a number of key topics that have been used to develop a draft plan. It builds on current and planned activity as set out in the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan and states what the Forum and its partners will work towards together. The Plan's vision statement is this:
The Plan sets out policies and community aspirations in these areas:
- Heritage and design
- Blue and green environment
- Pedestrians and transport
- Housing
- Infrastructure
- Culture, tourism, and economy
View the Plan and make comments by clicking HERE.
What Happens Next?
Before the Hoe Neighbourhood Plan becomes official, it must go through the full legal process of bringing the plan into force:
- Regulation 14 Consultation – The Hoe Neighbourhood Forum must publicise and conduct a consultation of at least six weeks to allow Plymouth City Council, other statutory consultees (such as the Environment Agency, Natural England, and Historic England), and members of the public to review the draft plan and make comments. All comments received by the end of the consultation period must be considered conscientiously by the Forum. The plan may be amended based on the consultation to create a final draft for submission.
- Submission of the Plan – The Forum will submit the final draft to Plymouth City Council.
- Independent Examination – Plymouth City Council will appoint a qualified examiner to determine whether the plan meets the basic conditions for a neighbourhood plan and any other legal requirements. The examiner may suggest modifications to the plan to ensure that it meets the basic conditions. If the plan meets the basic conditions, before or after modification, the examiner will recommend that the plan proceeds to the referendum stage.
- Referendum – A Plymouth City Council’s election unit will organise a public referendum on the final plan. Adoption of the plan will be put to local voters as a simple yes or no vote. If there is a majority yes vote, then the neighbourhood plan is “made” and becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area.
