Neighbourhood plans are prepared by the local community and can include planning policies and land allocations. The policies must be consistent with national and local planning policies and cannot be used to prevent development.
Following consultation, an examination and a successful referendum, a neighbourhood plan will become part of the statutory development plan and will be used when determining planning applications.
Neighbourhood plans can only be prepared by either a town or parish council or by a neighbourhood forum.
Help and guidance
There are guidance notes available for communities considering whether to prepare or review a neighbourhood plan.
The Statement of Community Involvement published in 2023 included guidance for neighbourhood planning groups in North Hertfordshire. An extract from the SCI is attached below.
We have also prepared a guidance note for Parish Councils with made neighbourhood plans who may be considering a review of their neighbourhood plan.
There is further information and guidance available from Locality.