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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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…

6. 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…

7. 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

8. 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

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