For anyone who owned land, was thinking of developing a site, or sat on a parish council, the planning landscape was about to shift. The Localism Act 2011 received Royal Assent on 15 November 2011. Much of it was to be brought into force in stages over the following months, but its direction was clear: more say for local communities over what is built where.
Neighbourhood planning in brief
- Neighbourhood plans. A parish or town council, or in unparished areas a designated neighbourhood forum, can prepare a plan for its area. After independent examination and a local referendum, it can become part of the development plan used to decide applications.
- Neighbourhood development orders. These can grant permission for specified types of development in an area without the need for individual applications.
- Community right to build. A form of order allowing community groups to bring forward small scale development.
- Assets of community value. Councils would keep lists of buildings such as local shops and pubs, and communities would have a chance to bid if one is sold.
What it means for owners and developers
Neighbourhood plans must fit with the strategic policies of the local plan, so they cannot simply block growth. But they can shape where development goes, its scale and its design. In rural Essex and Hertfordshire, where many parishes are active, a neighbourhood plan could come to carry real weight on village edge sites, conversions of farm buildings and infill plots.
Practical advice
- Engage early. If your parish is preparing a plan, take part. Sites put forward during preparation are better placed than those raised later.
- Read the emerging policy. Design, density and parking policies can affect whether a scheme is viable.
- Think about local benefit. Schemes that answer a recognised local need, such as smaller homes or reuse of a redundant building, tend to be received better.
- Do not ignore heritage. Many villages have conservation areas and listed buildings, and neighbourhood plans often add local design guidance.
Our Planning and Heritage service helps owners understand local policy and prepare applications that fit it. See our work on a rural brownfield site for five dwellings in Essex.