Neighbourhood planning

The Localism Act 2011 introduces a new approach to planning which aims to give people more say about what goes on in their local area through the preparation of neighbourhood plans. Local community organisations that meet certain requirements or parish and town councils are able to prepare Neighbourhood Plans, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders.

The main forms of Neighbourhood Planning are:
Neighbourhood Plans	A community-led framework for guiding the future development and growth of an area which must conform to the strategic policies of the Mid Devon Local Plan
Neighbourhood Development Orders	A means for parish/town councils or neighbourhood forums to grant permission for certain types of development within a specific area
Community Right to Build Orders	These can be used to grant permission for development schemes e.g. housing

Guidance on neighbourhood planning has been produced by the CPRE.

Getting Started

Town and Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Forums will need to apply to Mid Devon District Council in order to designate a neighbourhood plan area, submitting:

A map identifying the area to which the application relates;
A statement explaining why this area is considered appropriate to be designated as a neighbourhood area;
A statement that the organisation or body making the area application is a relevant body for the purposes of Section 61G of the 1990 Town & Country Planning Act

Once the application is received we will publish the submitted information on our website showing:

A copy of the area application;
Details of how to make representations; and
The date by which representations must be received.

The application may also be advertised locally on parish and town council notice boards and websites to ensure that it is brought to the attention of people who live, work or conduct business in the area.

Mid Devon District Council will also advise neighbouring parish and town councils of the application.

The District Council can support the preparation of a neighbourhood plan by the following means:

Provide assistance and advice
Agree and formally designate the neighbourhood area
Provide information and evidence
Help with the consultation process
Check the Neighbourhood Plan meets all relevant legislation and regulations
Check general conformity with the Local Plan
Arrange and pay for an independent examination
Arrange and pay for a local referendum
Adopt the Neighbourhood Plan as part of the overall Development Plan if supported through examination and referendum