The Government is currently taking it’s Localism Bill through parliament and when it becomes law it will create opportunities for local communities to draw up their own Neighbourhood Plans. These will set out how local people want their areas to develop in the future and become part of their local authority’s planning policy.  Planning committees will have to follow these plans in making decisions about planning applications in those neighbourhoods. 

This presents an opportunity and a headache for community activists.  What should a neighbourhood plan look like?  What should it cover?  How do we go about producing one? 

Expert help is at hand.  Right now, MADE has resources to provide free help with neighbourhood planning.  From April 1^st we hope to have further funding from the Government to continue this work. 

If you think you might want to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan for your community, or you are unsure and want to find out more, register your interest with MADE and we will keep you in touch and tell you about events in your area.