The Localism Act has introduced 'Neighbourhood Plans' as part of
the National Planning Policy
Framework. These are locally prepared documents which set out
what type and scale of development is needed to help a community
achieve the right mix of affordable housing, employment
opportunities and services.
Many communities in South Somerset have already produced local
community plans (or town or parish plans), and while these plans
can act as a foundation for future development ideas, a
Neighbourhood Plan is a separate document.
Neighbourhood Plans will be informed by local consultation and
the South
Somerset Core Strategy - the overarching development plan for
South Somerset.
The Planning Advisory Service has provided some 'frequently
asked questions' about Neighbourhood Planning and useful links to
four organisations who have received funding from the government to
provide advice to those preparing neighbourhood plans http://www.pas.gov.uk/pas/core/page.do?pageId=1802659
SSDC is currently supporting the parish of Queen Camel to
produce one of the country's first Neighbourhood Plans and the
results will help inform others.
As a result of the publicity given to the Localism Act 2011,
SSDC has received a number of enquiries about Neighbourhood
Development Plans. At this point (January 2012), SSDC is
unable to progress any requests because not all of the relevent
powers come into force until April 2012, and a number of
regulations are still to be approved by Parliament.
The process to produce a Neighbourhood Plan will be similar to
that of producing other types of community based plans - for
example Parish Plans or Village Design Statements. Follow this
link to read our previous advice on how community led plans can
be developed at a quality which allows them to influence local
planning decisions.
There are other ways, including the use of existing evidence led
Development Management system in South Somerset, and by using
techniques such as 'master planning' to get the development you
wish to see in your community.
Further detailed guidance is expected over the coming months,
but in the meantime if you have an enquiry about Neighbourhood
Plans please email communities@southsomerset.gov.uk
or contact your local Area
Development team.