Frequently Asked Questions
The frequently asked questions listed below answer some of the most commonly raised questions regarding Neighbourhood Planning.
What is Neighbourhood Planning?
Neighbourhood Planning is a new way for communities to decide the future of the places where they live and work. The Localism Act introduces new permissive rights for local communities to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan, instigate neighbourhood development orders and exercise a community right to build.
Is Neighbourhood Planning compulsory?
Neighbourhood Planning is not compulsory. Deciding if you need a Neighbourhood Plan is one of the most important steps of the process.
Who will lead on Neighbourhood Planning?
Neighbourhood Plans can only be prepared by a 'qualifying body'. In areas where a parish or town council exists, these are the nominated "qualifying body".
How will development be managed if we don't have a Neighbourhood Plan in Oundle?
The starting point for determining planning applications will be the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and National Planning Practice Guidance, the Core Spatial Strategy (2008), the Rural North, Oundle and Thrapston Plan (RNOTP, 2011) and "saved policies" from the 1996 Local Plan.
What is the role of East Northamptonshire Council (ENC) in the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan?
ENC has a number of roles to undertake in order to fulfil its duty to support. These include:
- confirming the geographical area of proposed Neighbourhood Plans;
- providing expertise and advice to parish and town councils;
- holding a formal consultation, Examinations and Referendum;
- adopting Neighbourhood Plans where all legal requirements have been met.
What is the relationship between the Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan?
Neighbourhood Plans must be in general conformity with adopted local plans – such as the RNOTP. It is important that communities work closely with ENC when developing Neighbourhood Plans in order to ensure the Neighbourhood Plan fit with local and national policies and also European legislation.
What should a Neighbourhood Plan look like?
There are no set guidelines which describe what a neighbourhood plan should contain or look like. However, Neighbourhood Plans must be in general conformity with adopted local plans. The content of a Neighbourhood Plan is likely to contain a series of explanatory text, policies and maps.
How much work is involved in creating a Neighbourhood Plan?
The amount of work will be largely dependent on the content and scope of the Plan. For example the Neighbourhood Plan could focus on a single issue such as identifying development sites, however even focussing on one issue can be very work intensive. Preparing a Neighbourhood Plan is likely to take a considerable amount of time and effort.
Who will pay for Neighbourhood Planning?
The cost of Neighbourhood Planning will primarily be met by the parish and town councils who develop plans. However, there may be some funding through grants nationally. East Northamptonshire Council is responsible for the formal consultation, Examination and Referendum costs.
What is Front Runner money?
The Government identified £20,000 for a selection of communities through the neighbourhood planning front runners scheme. Oundle has received support through this scheme.
If you have another question regarding neighbourhood planning in Oundle please contact us using the link below.