An introduction to Neighbourhood Planning Rowena Tyler - Community Development Officer Action in rural Sussex

2 What is Neighbourhood Planning? 2 A new way for communities to decide the future of the places where they live and work. To choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built To have their say on what those new buildings should look like To grant planning permission for the new buildings they want to see go ahead.

3 NP and the Planning System Neighbourhood Plans Must: Be in accord with the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Conform with the Local Planning Authority (LPA) Local Plan Pass an independent Examination and be voted in at referendum

Applications 1202 Designations Neighbourhood Planning From the Ground Up Local Authorities There are 336 local planning authorities (not including county councils) (46)(30) Total: (85 ) (25) Pre- submission 134 Examination 85 Passed Referendum MADE Passed Examination At Examination 60% of Local Authorities contain designated neighbourhood planning areas

5 NP and the Community NP group led by Parish or Town Council Everyone can be involved – indeed this is essential Support from DCLG, LPA with documentation and funding Developers will have to take notice of the NP

Neighbourhood Planning 5 Stage Process 14 NP Community Referendum Independent Check Preparing your Plan Agreeing The Neighbourhood

Preparing the Plan Set up Steering Group and Focus Groups Gather recent evidence – HNS; VDS; CLP (?) Invite the Community – more than once! Collect all statistical and demographic info about the area Outcome: Stage One Report – Baseline for evidence

Housing needs in Steyning 2012: Parish Housing Needs Survey; - 81% support for local needs affordable housing - 69 local households in need Older People; - Support to remain in own home - more suitable ordinary housing (downsizing) 44%

Preparing the Plan Pre - Submission  Using Stage One Report and Community Views  Work with Developers, LPA, Stakeholders  Identify sites and type of development  Set down infrastructure needs  Write the policies OUTCOME: Pre – Submission Plan

11 Neighbourhood Planning: A growing movement

12 Recap - Benefits of Compiling a Neighbourhood Plan 12 Communities can say where new houses, businesses and shops should go and what they should look like Potential gains under Community Infrastructure Levy and Community Rights A material consideration for planning applications – Legal Force

CLTs add value by; Being locally-controlled / democratic Being flexible to meet local priorities Providing locally affordable homes + Delivering actions from community / neighbourhood plans Enabling the long term stewardship of community assets

Lyvennet Community Trust 14 Photo Cumberland & Westmorland Herald Pub bought & renovated with community share issue

Next Steps – How can you be involved? Join one of the focus groups Help with consultation events – hosting, attending, being creative Respond to the Questionnaire – you’ll see it before the end of this year Promote the Neighbourhood Plan to everyone in your network Steyning, Wiston, Ashurst, Bramber Together - it’s your Neighbourhood Plan.

SWAB NP Questions?

Further information on CLTs; National information & case studies: Local support: Sussex CLT Umbrella Project; Contact