Neighbourhood Planning

The Government has recently introduced changes to the planning system through the Localism Act 2011 and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

These changes include the provision for local communities to prepare Neighbourhood Plans for their area. These plans will allow communities to influence future change by setting out policies to help guide development and the use of land. This could include determining the location of homes, shops, and offices, or setting design standards for new development.

Parish and Town Councils in Pendle will be responsible for preparing a Neighbourhood Plan for their area should they wish to do so, but it is not compulsory to have one. Click here to view a full list of the Parish and Town Councils in Pendle and their contact details.

All Neighbourhood Plans must be generally in-line with the Borough-wide Local Plan and cannot propose less development than set out in the Local Plan.

Once a Neighbourhood Plan is prepared it will be subject to an independent check. A Local Referendum will then be held to ensure that the community has the final say on whether the plan comes into force or not. If it is brought into force the Neighbourhood Plan will be used alongside the Local Plan in the determination of planning applications.

The links below provide some further guidance about neighbourhood planning, how to get started, where to find out more information and who can help.

General Guidance on Neighbourhood Planning

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has prepared a number of useful guides:

An Introduction to Neighbourhood Planning

The Planning Portal also has information about planning at a neighbourhood level:

Planning Portal Neighbourhood Planning Information 

Along with the requirments of the Localism Act there are certain regulations that communities will need to comply with if they prepare a neighbourhood plan:

Neighbourhood Planning Regulations

Who can help?

There are a number of organisations which may be able to provide support to communities looking to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan. These are:

• The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) / Planning Aid England
• Locality
• Princes Foundation
• Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)

Pendle Council's Planning Policy Team will also be able to offer some guidance to Parish and Town Councils.