Preparing Neighbourhood Plans Joanna Widdecombe

Content A process ‘refresher’-just what have we got to do again? Site assessment and allocations- what is it all about? 2

Preparing your plan - overview NP Community Referendum Independent Check Preparing your Plan Agreeing The Neighbourhood

Stage 2 : Plan preparation 4 What’s good? What’s bad? What needs to change?

Stage 2 – Plan preparation This involves: - inclusive community engagement - building an evidence base - site assessment and allocations - drafting vision, objectives, policies and proposals - sustainable appraisal/strategic environmental assessment Must include a formal 6 week consultation period to publicise draft plan and consider responses Publicise to all who live, work or carry out business 5

The Basic Conditions 1.Must have appropriate regard to national policy 2.Must be in general conformity with strategic elements of the Local Plan 3.Contributes toward sustainable development 4.Has special regard to desirability of preserving character and setting of listed buildings (NDO only) 5.Has special regard to desirability of preserving character and appearance of conservation areas (NDO only) 6.Compatible with EU obligations 6

Information to include to go with your Draft Plan/statement showing the area Title of the plan Consultation statement detailing: o Who was consulted o How they were consulted o A summary of the main issues and concerns and how these issues have been addressed “Basic conditions” statement o an outline of how the proposals meet the “basic conditions” Submitting your Neighbourhood Plan 20

Stage 3: Independent Check An Independent Examiner will check the plan to see if it meets the ‘basic conditions’ Examiner appointed in conjunction with qualifying body Appointment may be subject to Council tendering/procurement requirements No requirement to hold a public hearing After the check the Examiner can: 1. Refer to referendum 2. Recommend modifications 3. Refuse 8

Stage 4: Community Referendum Organised and funded by the Council Examiner can extend the scope Simple 50%+ rule Underlines the importance of securing community support from the outset Referendum Regulations 9

The community referendum question “Do you want Cornwall Council to use the neighbourhood plan for St Ives to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?” 10

Referendum to date Upper Eden: 33% turnout/90% voted in favour Exeter St James: 21% turnout/92% voted in favour Thame: 40% turnout/76% voted in favour Tattenhall: 51.9% turnout/92% voted in favour 11

12 Stage 5 – Make a plan The local planning authority publish decision to ‘make’ the plan and available for inspection Must publicise their decision for 6 weeks Plan then part of the statutory development plan for the area A basis for determination of planning applications and appeals 12

Site assessment and allocation - what it involves! 13

First things first! Do you need to allocate sites? How to choose which sites to include? 14

Why should we assess sites in our neighbourhood plan? The National Planning Policy Framework identifies the advantages of carrying out land assessments for housing and economic development as part of the same exercise, in order that sites may be allocated for the use, which is most appropriate. 15

Neighbourhood Plans may intend to “dig deeper” in the assessment of sites in their area Housing Economy Retail, Leisure, Office, Warehousing etc. Thinking about Education land use Thinking about Environmental land use Thinking about Community Facilities land use Thinking about Green Space protection Thinking about Transportation land use Thinking about Heritage land use 16

Working through your site assessment in stages makes it easier… 17 Desk Based WorkOn Site WorkDesk Based Review

Step 1: Identify sites Step 2: Assess sites in your neighbourhood plan area: Is the site – AVAILABLE? Is the site – SUITABLE and SUSTAINABLE? Is the site – ACHIEVABLE / DELIVERABLE? Can constraints be overcome?

Using an agreed and uniform approach to assessing sites is sensible… Building an audit trail Assessment by agreement Recognising we cant include every detail Trust across a neighbourhood plan group If challenged a process can be shown 19

Top Tips for a Successful Site Assessment! Site Plan showing the site boundary Plan showing the site and the wider area Aerial photograph Assessment form (some of this will already be completed). Clipboard Pens/pencils – use different colours to indicate different features e.g. trees, footpaths, buildings etc. Camera – take photos from a number of directions. Use a standard lens, do not use a telephoto or wide-angle lens as this will distort site features. A photograph an be used as evidence. It is a good idea to do the survey with at least one other person. Check permission with landowner about access rights 20

Step 3: Evidence base Aim to clearly eliminate unsuitable sites Keep a record of unsuitable sites and the reasons for discounting them Identify most appropriate sites Need for them Available, capable of being developed and built upon within the plan period 21

In summary….. 22

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Next…..let’s have a go!

Our Neighbourhood Plans Frontrunner website – – for all the latest postings on good/bad practice around the countrywww.ourneighbourhoodplanning.org.uk Our ‘Up Front’ e-bulletin for up-to-date news on neighbourhood planning – subscribe at Some useful bits….

20 Contact Details Neighbourhood Planning Support: Advice Line: