Neighbourhood Planning support to bring forward community consultation
A Neighbourhood Plan give local people a say in the future of their own community, specifically around the kind – and amount – of development that takes place.
Neighbourhood Planning was introduced in the Localism Act 2011. Once adopted, a Neighbourhood Plan informs your Local (or Joint) Development Plan, making your community’s input official.
The process of developing a Neighbourhood Plan can take up to 18 months and is typically led by a group of community-based volunteers, often from a Parish or Town Council.
At the heart of Neighbourhood Planning is extensive and effective community consultation. Catalyst (a professional consultancy service from Devon Communities Together) has an in-house team that can guide you through the process. We understand the needs and aspirations of communities and local planning authorities, and will offer unbiased support and advice based on national guidance in the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations and National Planning Policy Framework.
We also understand the issues and concerns of Parish and Town Councils when taking on this responsibility. Our links with the Devon Association of Local Councils (DALC) keeps us in close contact with Devon parishes that have worked on, submitted and completed their Neighbourhood Plans. With services designed around your community’s needs, we will offer the right level of support, from giving advice, to driving the whole process.
The Catalyst team from Devon Communities Together will use our years of experience to:
- Help you understand the objectives and methods of Neighbourhood Planning
- Feedback on deciding if you need a Neighbourhood Plan
- Transition you from an older existing Parish/Town Plan to a Neighbourhood Plan
- Guide you through the Neighbourhood Plan process
- Support you with your local community consultation
- Endorse your drafts and final plan
- Work in partnership with you as liaison with your local authority, to ensure your community puts forward a truly effective plan.
- Assist with funding bids to develop proposals under any of the other Community Rights introduced in the Localism Act 2011, including the Right to Build, the Right to Bid and the Right to Challenge.
Many communities that go through the Neighbourhood Planning process find they enjoy other benefits, for example developing a strong group of community volunteers, creating a more engaged community, increased local knowledge and more.
For an initial, no commitment, discussion about your requirements please contact: 01392 248919 or email info@devoncommunities.org.uk
Download Catalyst’s Neighbourhood Planning leaflet here
Take a look at this Step by Step Roadmap Guide to Neighbourhood Planning, from Locality here.