Overview of the Neighbourhood Plan Process Best practice as defined by Locality

Three-Stage Process Getting established Preparing the plan Bringing the plan into force

But What Is Locality? A national network of ambitious and enterprising community-led organisations Represents over 500 community-led organisations and 200 associate members across England Helps set up and run community-owned and led organisations Supports organisations to exchange ideas and best practice Works to influence government and others nationally and locally Runs the Neighbourhood Planning programme

Phase 1: Getting Established Define Neighbourhood Plan area If not a parish, establish neighbourhood forum Prepare NP application, including: Map of proposed area Statement about proposed area Statement about governing body Apply to SGC for approval

Phase 2: Preparing the Plan Define scope and objectives Identify key stakeholders & local partners Identify support available from SGC (“duty to support”) Review local plan/joint spatial plan Draft an action plan Develop community engagement strategy Identify existing sources of evidence Apply to Locality for grant continued…

Phase 2: Preparing the Plan Gather community opinion on key issues Publicise process to area residents and businesses Organise information-gathering events & activities Identify themes & priorities Build evidence base Review existing evidence Gather additional evidence needed (SEA, HRA, etc.) Draft vision, aims, & timeframe Consult with community on vision, aims, & timeframe continued…

Phase 2: Preparing the Plan Prepare Neighbourhood Plan Develop policies, guidance and proposals based on agreed vision and aims Assemble background documents Write Neighbourhood Plan document

Phase 3: Bringing the plan into force Conduct pre-submission public consultation (6 weeks) Consider comments & amend as needed Submit Neighbourhood Plan to SGC Basic conditions statement Consultation statement Proposed Neighbourhood Plan Publicise final Neighbourhood Plan (6 weeks) Submit final for independent examination Amend as needed Referendum on final Neighbourhood Plan (4 weeks) Plan adopted if referendum is successful

Resources from Locality Roadmap Guide Worksheets “Keeping It Simple” Community consultation guide Housing needs assessment toolkit Guide to writing planning policies …and more