Guide to neighbourhood planning

How we decide to adopt a neighbourhood plan

The Council has six key decisions to make during the neighbourhood planning process.

Stage 1: consult on an application for designation as a forum and/or area

Here we check that we’ve received the correct information for the neighbourhood forum and/or area application.

We also check that the forum has been set up properly and the area doesn’t overlap with any others.

The Executive Director of Planning and Borough Development decides whether the application can progress to stage 2.

Stage 2: designate an area or forum

This decision is based on responses to our formal consultation and whether the area or forum is likely to have a 'significant impact on the community'.

The decision is taken by the cabinet member for Planning Policy, Transportation and the Arts or the Cabinet.

Stage 3: publicise a neighbourhood plan

When a draft neighbourhood plan is submitted, we are responsible for checking that it meets requirements and that we’ve received all relevant documents

Executive Director of Planning and Borough Development decides whether the application can progress to the next stage.

Stage 4: neighbourhood plan examination

We are responsible for checking that the neighbourhood plan has followed the proper legal process. This includes checking that the neighbourhood area is designated and that the plan meets legal requirements for consultation and publicity before it is submitted for examination.

The Executive Director of Planning and Borough Development decides if the plan will be submitted for examination.

Stage 5: accept or modify examiner’s recommendations

When we receive the examiner’s report we decide how to respond to its recommendations, what actions to take and if the plan should go to referendum.

This decision is taken by the cabinet member for Planning Policy, Transportation and the Arts or the Cabinet.

Stage 6: adopt the neighbourhood plan

We adopt the neighbourhood plan after a referendum and make it part of the local development framework, unless it breaches or is incompatible with an EU obligation or convention rights.

This decision is taken by the cabinet member for Planning Policy, Transportation and the Arts or the Cabinet.

Last updated: 23 February 2023