The Localism Act received Royal Assent on 15 November 2011 and introduced Neighbourhood Development Plans which should allow communities greater influence on planning issues like allocating sites for new housing.
The contents of these plans will be very much up to the communities preparing them and the Act also gives communities the power to grant planning permission in some cases, by allowing the local parish council to act as the local planning authority.
The Act also gives communities a 'right to build' by encouraging communities to sponsor small scale developments that benefit their neighbourhood, such as housing, shops and community facilities. If supported by a local referendum, schemes could bypass the usual requirements for planning applications.
The opportunities provided by the Localism Act mean that there has never been a better time to get involved and shape where you live.
Supporting Communities and Neighbourhoods in Planning
Following the successful first phase of the Supporting Communities and Neighbourhoods in Planning programme, the Campaign to Protect Rural England and the National Association of Local Councils have received further funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government to continue to support communities in planning until the end of July 2012.
In addition to general advice our programme will concentrate on two core areas: neighbourhood planning workshops and tailored neighbourhood support.
General advice
We have produced three guides to help you get involved with influencing and planning in your local community.
How to shape where you live
We take you through eight simple steps to take if you want to help prepare a Neighbourhood Plan with the whole community.
We show how your local knowledge can ensure your plan really influences the future of your area.
How to respond to planning applications
A step-by-step guide to finding out more about planning applications in your area.
Whether you want to support or challenge a development, this guide will help you present your views appropriately, effectively, and to the right people.
Planning explained
We outline the important role communities and local councils can play in influencing how your area changes in the future.
The guide shows how by understanding planning, you will be better equipped to get involved and make your voice count.
All three guides are available from our Planning Help website, where you will find much more specialist advice to help you get to grips with the planning system.
E-learning
Interactive e-learning modules are available for publications on NALC’s NTS e-learning platform. These are short courses that examine the step-by-step processes outlined in the publications using real world scenarios.
The courses are free and available to everyone. Simply self-register on the site and begin.
Planning Help phone line
The help phone line is available to help you with any questions you have relevant to the planning system. It is staffed each Thursday between 1.30 and 3.30pm, Telephone: 020 7981 2868.
Planning Help website: General advice
Getting started workshops and tailored support
Getting started workshops
We will be running a number of neighbourhood planning workshops to help those communities that want to develop a Neighbourhood Plan to get started. Planning Help website: Find out more
Tailored support
Communities that have already started developing their Neighbourhood Plan can apply for tailored support to help them turn their neighbourhood planning aspirations into reality.Planning Help website: Find out more
