Neighbourhood Planning

Introduction

The Localism Act 2011 seeks to empower communities to shape and manage development in their local areas, so long as they comply with national policies and conform to the local strategic policies.

Neighbourhood planning allows communities (residents, employees, businesses) to come together through a “Neighbourhood Forum” and produce a neighbourhood development plan

Neighbourhood planning in Richmond borough

We are already very advanced in the production of the local planning documents, including supplementary planning documents and guidance and a range of development site briefs for important sites within the borough. There are also various Conservation Area studies covering many parts of the borough.

There are a range of planning policies included in the Core Strategy (which outlines the vision and spatial strategy for the borough and includes strategic policies), the Development Management Plan (which contains very detailed policies for the management of development in the whole borough), the draft Twickenham Area Action Plan and work is underway on a Site Allocations Plan.

In addition, this Council is currently producing ‘village plans’ which have been based on extensive community consultation. These plans will cover all the issues raised by local communities.

In view of this, community groups are encouraged to consider carefully what else a neighbourhood development plan could achieve for their area. This should particularly be considered in light of the village planning process, about which all local residents and businesses was were consulted.

Requirements for neighbourhood plans

A neighbourhood development plan or neighbourhood development order must be in line with national policies and in general conformity with the strategic policies contained in the development plan for the area of the authority.

Neighbourhood plans will not be able to prevent development in a neighbourhood – they can only include proposals for an equal (or greater) amount of growth than is set out in the local authority’s development plan, regional and national guidance.

Provided that all the conditions are met, local people will be able to vote on the plan in a referendum. If the plan is approved by a majority of those who vote, then the local authority will bring it into force.

If you want to find out more about neighbourhood plans, please see our Frequently Asked Questions on Neighbourhood Plans.