Neighbourhood Planning

Ernest Amoako

Planning Policy Manager

Woking Borough Council

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

• A Plan prepared by a Neighbourhood Forum (Parish) for a particular neighbourhood area.

• It sets out planning policies in relation to development and use of land in a particular area.

• It offers an opportunity for communities to shape where they live.• It ensures that neighbourhoods get the right types of development

for their area.• It must be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the

Core Strategy (Local Plan).• Its policy basis is rooted in the Localism Act, the National Planning

Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Core Strategy.

Some key principles to note

• Community initiated – must be led by local communities (not the Council).

• Council has a duty to cooperate.• Plan must be based on sound evidence base and agreed

through consultation with the local community.• Cannot plan for less growth than set out in the Local

Plan (can influence where development should be located in the neighbourhood).

• Involve local businesses if there are businesses in the neighbourhood area. Do not forget your local councillors.

Neighbourhood Planning - Process to follow

• Defining the geographical extent of the Neighbourhood Area.– A formal application must be made to the Council to designate the

Neighbourhood Area.– This will be publicised for consultation and feedback.

• Establish and designate a Neighbourhood Forum.– A formal application for the designation of the Neighbourhood Forum

must be made to the Council to approve.– The Forum should comprise at least 21 members who live and or work

in the area.– It should be inclusive and representative of the community.– It should have a written constitution.– Will be helpful to invite elected Members to join

• Gathering relevant evidence base.

Neighbourhood Planning - Process to follow

• Identify issues and options to be addressed by the Plan– Consultation is vital.– Should be led by the Forum– Should reflect community needs and aspirations.

• Submit a Draft Plan to Independent Examination.– Plan must be justified by reliable and necessary evidence base.– Consult on a draft before submitting to the Council – Forum will be

required to submit a Consultation Statement

• Independent Examination• Examiner’s Report• Referendum on (modified) Plan.• Adoption by the Local Authority

Potential roles and responsibilities - Council

• Advice on process and procedure.• Share available evidence base.• Provide external sources of information.• Attend Forum meeting if invited.• Comment on documentation.• Ensure conformity of Plan with Core Strategy.• Provide links with other key stakeholders.• Examination and referendum.• Determine applications for the Neighbourhood Area and

Neighbourhood Forum.• Resourcing

Roles and responsibilities – the community

• Raising local awareness.• Defining the Neighbourhood Area and applying for it to

be designated as such.• Establishing the Neighbourhood Forum and applying for

it to be designated as a Neighbourhood Forum.• Drafting the constitution of the Forum.• Identifying the Issues and Options.• Evidence gathering• Draft the Plan and defending it at Examination.

Potential challenges to note

• Achieving consensus on key issues (could be difficult).

• Managing expectations.

• Deliverability – Is it going to be a wish list with no expectation of deliverability – be mindful of credibility of Plan?

• First in the Borough.• Resources – time and money.• Convincing residents that this is not a NIMBY charter.• Who does the work – requires long term commitment.

Other sources of information

• Lots of front runners to benefit from their experience (Bookham in Mole Valley).

• Planning Advisory Service - http://www.pas.gov.uk/pas/core/page.do?pageId=1802659. http://www.pas.gov.uk/pas/core/page.do?pageId=1562794

• Design Council/CABE - http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/cabe/services/plan/neighbourhood-planning-toolkits-and-guidance/

• Town and Country Planning Association.• Planning Aid

Final thoughts

• Consult with your residents/businesses, consult with local councillors and consult with Council.

• Map out work involved and be outcome focused.• Be creative and inclusive.• Remember, it is a Plan for the community, so get them

involved.• Could be hard work – be prepared.• Council officers are always willing to provide advice.