Before undertaking a Neighbourhood Plan, it is important to consider whether there are alternative options which you can pursue to better meet your needs. Whether a Neighbourhood Plan is right for your area will depend on several factors, such as:
The local plan policy for your area,
The financial resources, cost and time needed for a Town or Parish Council, or Neighbourhood Planning Forum, to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan,
Whether you already have an adopted or in progress Town/Parish Plan, and
The development pressures and requirements within your area.
Alternative options to a Neighbourhood Plan which should be considered before proceeding are as follows:
Rely on the Local Plan
Local Plans typically include both strategic and non-strategic policies that shape land use, housing, infrastructure and environmental concerns across the county. If your area already has a Local Plan in place, this may be sufficient to guide development without the need for a Neighbourhood Plan.
When to consider this option: If you find that the Local Plan’s policies adequately address your community’s needs and development goals, there may be no need for additional planning efforts. You can rely on the existing policy framework without undertaking the work of creating a Neighbourhood Plan.
Village Design Statement
A Village or Town Design Statement focuses solely on the design and visual aspects of development. It describes the unique character of a town or village and provides design guidance for any future developments to ensure they respect the local style and environment.
Key features:
Primarily concerned with the aesthetics of an area (building design, materials and layout).
Can be used as part of a Neighbourhood Plan or a Town/Parish/Community-Led Plan.
The local planning authority (LPA) can endorse a Village or Town Design Statement as a "material consideration" in determining planning applications, meaning it can influence decisions without holding statutory weight.
When to consider this option: If your community’s main concern is preserving or enhancing the visual character of the area, a Village or Town Design Statement might be the best choice. It provides specific design-related guidance without the broader scope of a Neighbourhood Plan.
Town/Parish/Community-Led Plans
Town, Parish and Community-Led Plans take a broader approach, covering a wide range of community concerns. These plans address issues beyond land-use and design, such as local amenities, transport and social activities.
Key features:
Can include, but are not limited to, planning issues like land use and building design.
These plans focus on all aspects of community life, from leisure activities to highway improvements.
They do not carry legal weight in planning decisions, unlike Neighbourhood Plans.
Completing a Town/Parish/Community-Led Plan can be a useful first step before embarking on a Neighbourhood Plan.
When to consider this option: If your community’s issues extend beyond land use and development, for example, improving local services or amenities, this might be a good fit. A Town/Parish/Community-Led Plan can also be beneficial if the Local Plan already addresses your planning-related concerns, but you still want to organise efforts on other aspects of community life.
Community Right to Build Orders (CRtBOs)
Community Right to Build Orders allow community organisations or a Neighbourhood Forum to grant planning permission for small-scale developments, such as affordable housing or community facilities, on specific sites within the Neighbourhood Area.
Key features:
Empowers communities to lead on small development projects, such as affordable housing or local amenities.
Must be developed by a community group where at least half of the members live within the Neighbourhood Area.
Requires a public consultation, independent examination and referendum to approve the proposal.
In the instance a community organisation undertakes the development, any profit generated by the project is obligated to stay within the community.
When to consider this option: If your community wants to undertake a specific, small-scale development without going through the full Neighbourhood Plan process, a CRtBO may be the best option.
Neighbourhood Development Orders (NDOs)
Neighbourhood Development Orders grant blanket planning permission for specific types of development within a defined area. This tool can be used by Neighbourhood Forums or Town/Parish Councils to fast-track development that the community already supports, such as building homes, shops or infrastructure.
Key features:
Can specify particular types of development (e.g., residential or commercial) that are pre-approved within the area.
Removes the need for developers to submit separate planning applications for each project, streamlining the process.
Broader in scope than CRtBOs.
Requires a formal process, including consultations, an examination by an independent inspector and a local referendum.
When to consider this option: If your community has a clear idea of the types of development it wants to encourage and you want to simplify the planning process for these projects, an NDO could be a good fit.
Which Option is Right for You?
Choosing the best alternative depends on the specific needs and goals of your community. Here are some factors to help guide your decision:
Use the Local Plan if you are satisfied with the policies already in place and feel they adequately address your area's development and planning needs.
Create a Village/Town Design Statement if your community is primarily concerned with preserving the visual character of the area, without needing broader development policies.
Develop a Town, Parish, or Community-Led Plan if your community’s concerns go beyond planning and land use, encompassing broader issues like services, transport and local facilities. This is also a good option if the Local Plan sufficiently addresses planning issues, but you want a more community-cantered approach to other topics.
Consider a Community Right to Build Order if your goal is to carry out a specific small-scale development project that enjoys wide community support.
Opt for a Neighbourhood Development Order if you want to streamline planning for particular types of development in your area, removing the need for repeated planning applications.
A Neighbourhood Plan provides the most comprehensive, legally binding framework for influencing development in your area, but the other options can be more efficient or focused, depending on your needs.
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At Bluestone Planning, we provide comprehensive support throughout the neighbourhood planning process. Whether you need guidance on ensuring policy and supporting text is compliant with planning regulations, or assistance with technical documents such as Design Codes, we are here to ensure your plan progresses smoothly and efficiently.
For more information on how we can assist with your neighbourhood planning efforts or provide consultancy advice, contact us at Bluestone Planning by calling +44 1235 766825 or emailing admin@bluestoneplanning.co.uk
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