Neighbourhood Plans were introduced through the Localism Act 2011, they allow parish councils a greater say in planning policy for their area and carry legal force. Parish councils are at liberty to decide what their policies will cover, subjects may include location, type and scale of development, design criteria and sustainability. Formulating the policies typically requires extensive research and consultation, therefore a Neighbourhood Plan takes an average of two years to complete.
The workshop focussed on covering the process of producing a Neighbourhood Plan to equip delegates with the practical knowledge to proceed with their plans, from identifying the issues and creating a vision for future planning, to assessing sustainability and delivering the Neighbourhood Plan. The day also featured a question and answer panel and a presentation from Dr John Kay, Chairman of Ringmer Parish Council, who gave expert insight and advice from working on Ringmer Neighbourhood Plan.
Questions and concerns raised by Parish councillors throughout the day and during the question and answer panel included issues around housing, business and employment, transport, community amenities and open spaces. One Parish councillor asked the panel whether to consider wellbeing in their plans. Andrew Triggs from the South Downs National Park Authority recommended it was “definitely something to look at as part of the sustainability of the plan ”, asking: “what will make your community a thriving and enjoyable place to live?” A councillor asked whether a Neighbourhood Plan would have any impact when the District Council had already allocated the number of new houses intended for a Parish. Georgia Wrighton, Director of CPRE Sussex advised: “It could still be worthwhile getting involved in a Neighbourhood Plan… it could provide a strong alternative vision, especially now that this extra planning tier could give Parishes more clout.”
Parish councillors who attended the workshop expressed that it had been useful and informative. Marc Pinnell from Patching Parish Council said it was a “very beneficial day and gives us confidence to crack on with our Neighbourhood Plan.” Liz Taylor from Henfield Parish Council said: “CPRE are good guys and really supporting… Time is pressing and it’s great to have had this input. It’s great to have someone like John [Kay] who has gone through the process because it’s quite daunting, you think: ‘gosh, two years!’ It’s great to see it’s possible to get through it.”
Bill Hardings from Westhampnett Parish Council said: “we know more now than when we came through the door. I’m glad we came.”
