Neighbourhood plans

A neighbourhood plan provides an assessment of land use, infrastructure and aspirations for development and conservation.

Contents

- What is a neighbourhood plan?

- The neighbourhood plan process

- Proceeding to a referendum

- Designated plan areas

- Made (completed) neighbourhood plans

What is a neighbourhood plan?

Purpose

To assess character and set guidelines to influence what future development should look like.

Status

A neighbourhood plan forms part of the local authority development plan (subject to an independent examination and support by local referendum). It might also result in a 'Neighbourhood Development Order' which (subject to an independent examination and support by local referendum) will set out development proposals without the need to seek planning permission.

The document

It will be expected to include an audit of land use and infrastructure together with views and opinion about local need and aspirations for conservation and development. It results in policies on objectives for the area, infrastructure priorities, and a map outlining open space of community importance, assets of community value and locations for development.

The neighbourhood plan protocol

The aim of this protocol is to provide clear guidance for those involved in the neighbourhood planning process. It sets out the stages required in working towards a neighbourhood plan and identifies the responsibilities of those involved.

Uttlesford District Council Neighbourhood Plan Protocol (PDF) [785KB]

The neighbourhood plan process

A number of parishes across the district are preparing plans and statements. The Council has established an agreement with the Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) to support communities interested in community led planning. For further information on the support available please contact Jan Cole at RCCE on 01376 574330 or email jan.cole@essexrcc.org.uk

The Localism Act introduces a new right for a parish council or a neighbourhood forum to produce a 'neighbourhood development plan' setting out policies against which traditional planning applications could be judged.

These policies could cover:

planning objectives for the neighbourhood
the broad planning context (e.g. transport connections), local facilities, services
key neighbourhood projects and infrastructure priorities
development management policies on housing, economic development, environment
site-specific policies on housing, economic development and environmental issues
changes in the coverage of some planning designations

Proceeding to a referendum

When a parish or town council's draft plan has been approved by an independent examiner, Uttlesford District Council is asked to put a question to voters of the relevant area at a referendum.

The question usually asks voters if they want Uttlesford District Council to use the neighbourhood plan when deciding planning applications in the area.

Groups supporting or opposing a referendum

If you are involved with a campaign group that supports or opposes a neighbourhood plan referendum you will need to tell us the names and contact details of the group's chair and vice-chair. Please send these to elections@uttlesford.gov.uk

Guide

We have put together a guide on Neighbourhood Planning Referendums (PDF) [329KB] . This provides information for district ward councillors, parish councillors and campaigners on restrictions on publicity during the referendum period and the limits on expenses.

Expenses

An expenses form based on the Electoral Commission's expenses return for elections has been adapted for campaigners to use should they so wish. There is no legal requirement to make a return to the Counting Officer.

Neighbourhood Area and Forum consultations

If a local community group within Uttlesford wants to establish a Neighbourhood Area and Neighbourhood Forum we have to run a public consultation.

Lindsell Parish Neighbourhood Area and Forum consultation

Designated plan areas

Uttlesford District Council have designated a number of Neighbourhood Plan Areas.

Broxted & Cherry Green Neighbourhood Plan

Debden Neighbourhood Plan

Flitch Green Neighbourhood Plan

Great Easton, Duton Hill and Tilty Neighbourhood Plan

Hatfield Broad Oak Neighbourhood Plan

Hatfield Heath Neighbourhood Plan

Lindsell Parish Neighbourhood Plan

Little Dunmow Neighbourhood Plan

Little Easton Neighbourhood Plan

Little Hallingbury Neighbourhood Plan

Radwinter Neighbourhood Plan

Stansted Mountfitchet Neighbourhood Plan

Takeley Neighbourhood Plan

Made (completed) neighbourhood plans

Ashdon Neighbourhood Plan

Felsted Neighbourhood Plan

Great and Little Chesterford Neighbourhood Plan

Great Dunmow Neighbourhood Plan

Newport and Quendon & Rickling Neighbourhood Plan

Saffron Walden Neighbourhood Plan

Stebbing Neighbourhood Plan

Thaxted Neighbourhood Plan

Review and revision of neighbourhood plans

There is no requirement to review or update a neighbourhood plan.

However, policies in a neighbourhood plan may become out of date, for example if they conflict with policies in a local plan covering the neighbourhood area that is adopted after the making of the neighbourhood plan. In such cases, the more recent plan policy takes precedence.

In addition, where a policy has been in force for a period of time, other material considerations may be given greater weight in planning decisions as the evidence base for the plan policy becomes less robust.