Neighbourhood planning was introduced by the Localism Act 2011. It is an important and powerful tool that gives communities statutory powers to shape how their local areas develop. The Act gave communities the right to draw up a neighbourhood plan. Neighbourhood planning allows communities to come together through a local parish council or neighbourhood forum and say where they think new houses, businesses, and green spaces should go – and what they should look like.
In simple terms, a neighbourhood plan is a document that sets out planning policies for the neighbourhood area. Once the plan is approved, its planning policies are used to decide whether to approve planning applications.
Provided a neighbourhood 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.
For further information, look at the resources below.
UK Government Publications
Guidance on Neighbourhood Planning
(pages on the UK government website)
A plain English guide to the Localism Act
(PDF, 305kb, 22 pages)
Localism Act 2011: Chapter 3 – Neighbourhood Planning
(official wording of the Act on the UK government legislation website)
Locality Publications
Locality is a national membership network supporting local community organisations to be strong and successful. It has published a range of guides and worksheets to explain the process and benefits of creating a neighbourhood plan.
Locality website
(general information about neighbourhood planning and many resources to help in plan development)
How to create a Neighbourhood Plan: Your step by step roadmap guide
(PDF, 1.5mb)
Neighbourhood Planning: Giving your community a voice
(short YouTube video about neighbourhood planning)