A Neighbourhood Plan is a document that enables a community to shape the way its local area develops. Introduced through the Localism Act 2011, Neighbourhood Plans become part of the wider Local Plan and have to be considered when planning decisions are being made. They have equal weight to the Local Plan.
A Neighbourhood Plan may include a vision for the area, objectives for the next 5 to 20 years, detailed planning policies, and identification of designated local green spaces and heritage assets. It may also highlight key areas for improvement and set out proposals for them.
A Neighbourhood Plan is written by the local community, led by an authorised community group such as a Parish Council or a designated Neighbourhood Forum.
An area with a Neighbourhood Plan receives 25% of the NCIL (Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy) paid by developers, rather than 15% for areas without a Neighbourhood Plan.
The Pyrford Neighbourhood Plan
The Pyrford Neighbourhood Plan was adopted in 2017 and expires in 2027. It is doing an excellent job in giving Pyrford a voice in planning decisions.
The current Plan includes 29 policies covering Local Infrastructure, Built Environment, Open Spaces, and Social and Community. These state the principles that should be considered before any development is approved.
| For example, under Built Environment, policy BE1b states that To maintain the character of the area, all new developments should ensure that the specific context of the site and the wider character of the street scene are fully taken into account in relation to scale, appearance and materials. This policy is frequently quoted by Woking Borough Council planning officers when considering whether or not to approve a planning application. |
See the current Pyrford Neighbourhood Plan here.