Neighbourhood Plans
Neighbourhood Planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. It is a fantastic opportunity to you to make sure you get the right types of development for your community.
What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
Neighbourhood Plans are optional documents that detail further development priorities for individual communities. They form part of the development plan and sit alongside the Local Plan. This means that decisions on planning applications will be made using both the Local Plan, the Neighbourhood Plan, and any other material considerations.
Neighbourhood Plans must have regard to national planning policy and be in general agreement with strategic policies in the overarching Local Plan for the area.
The Neighbourhood Planning Regulations (2012) allow local communities to:
- Set planning policies through a Neighbourhood Plan, which will be used in determining future planning applications
- Grant planning permission through Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders
Neighbourhood Plans are taken forward by town and parish councils or neighbourhood forums (community groups that are designated to take forward neighbourhood planning in areas without parishes).
Find out more about Neighbourhood Planning on the Planning Practice Guidance website.
Neighbourhood Plans & wildlife
Neighbourhood Plans can be good for local wildlife. They are a great opportunity to improve the local environment, including protecting and enhancing existing assets, such as local parks, nature reserves and other green spaces. When it comes to new development, a Neighbourhood Plan can make sure designs reflect and compliment the wider countryside and provide space for people and nature.
There are hundreds of parishes and therefore potential Neighbourhood Plans in Sussex, and we can't comment on them all. But we do want to help you take action to help wildlife in your local area.