A Neighbourhood Plan can be used to guide the future development, regeneration and conservation of an area. It is about the use and development of land and may contain a vision, aims, planning policies, proposals for improving the area or providing new facilities, or allocation of key sites for specific kinds of development. It may deal with a wide range of social, economic and environmental issues (such as housing, employment, heritage and transport). Plans can specify the design of buildings, development of schools, health, leisure and community facilities and infrastructure plans such as transport, walking and cycling provision and disabled access. Policies can also include the protection and creation of open spaces, nature reserves, allotments, sports pitches, play areas and parks as well as important buildings and historic assets. This is for the community to decide.

A successful Neighbourhood Development Plan will become part of the statutory planning decisions for our parish. The plan’s legal status gives it far more weight than other local documents, such as Parish Plans. In fact, the Plan can still influence planning decisions before it has been formally accepted. A Neighbourhood Development Plan must comply with relevant legislation, as well as generally conforming to existing strategic local planning policies. Once the Plan has reached its final draft, it will be put before the Parish in a referendum.