

What is it?

In very simple terms a Neighbourhood Plan is a document that sets out planning policies for the neighbourhood area. Planning policies are used to decide whether to approve planning applications. It is written by the local community, the people who know and love the area, rather than the Local Planning Authority. It’s a powerful tool to ensure the community gets the right types of development, in the right place. Local people can create a plan that allows them to develop planning policies that reflect the priorities of their area and have real legal weight. The whole community decides at a referendum vote whether the local authority should bring the plan into force.

Why do we need one?

There is enormous pressure for development across the UK, to provide housing, employment, community facilities and infrastructure. Some of the demand for new development will have to be met in this area. The broad policies within which any Neighbourhood Plan must comply are set out in the UK Government’s  National Planning Policy Framework and in Wiltshire Council’s Core Strategy.   Your Parish Council are keen to bring local views to bear when deciding how this is done.