Neighbourhood Planning (SWO Housing and Planning Module)

Neighbourhood planning is a new way for communities to decide the future of the places where they live and work.

On this page we'll showcase neighbourhood planning pilots from different areas and post guidance and advice as it becomes available.

What is it?

Through neighbourhood planning communities will be able to:

choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built
have their say on what those new buildings should look like
grant planning permission for the new buildings they want to see go ahead.

The Government wants to introduce the right to do neighbourhood planning through the Localism Bill. The Localism Bill is being debated by Parliament at the moment. Read more on the Localism Bill with this SWO Briefing Note.

Why does it matter?

The planning system helps decide what gets built, where and when. It is essential for supporting economic growth, improving people’s quality of life, and protecting the natural environment.

In theory, planning has always supposed to give local communities a say in decisions that affect them. But in practice, communities have often found it hard to have a meaningful say. The Government wants to put power back in the hands of local residents, business, councils and civic leaders. Neighbourhood planning is optional, not compulsory.

Find out more on the five stages to neighbourhood planning through this Communities and Local Government 'Introduction to Neighbourhood Planning' note.

What happens next?

The formal legal right to do neighbourhood planning will only be available after the Localism Bill is approved by Parliament. It is expected that the Bill will be approved later in 2011, and the formal right to do neighbourhood planning will follow later in 2012.
In some places, though, community groups, developers and councils are already thinking about how neighbourhood planning might work in their area. Via this website, we will showcase examples from different areas as they become available.

Funding and Support

There will be several sources of advice and support for communities who are interested in doing neighbourhood planning:

The local planning authority will be obliged by law to help people draw up their neighbourhood plans
Developers, parish and town councils, landowners and local businesses may all be interested in sponsoring and taking a leading role in neighbourhood planning. In fact, in some places, local businesses are already starting a debate with local residents and councils
The Government has committed to providing £50m until March 2015 to support local councils in making neighbourhood planning a success

The Government have already provided £3m to four community support organisations, who already support communities in planning for their neighbourhood. These are: the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment ; The Building Community Consortium ; CPRE and NALC (in partnership) ; and the RTPI. Click on the links for more information.

Useful Resources

Download DCLG's 'An Introduction to Neighbourhood Planning' briefing note.