Highworth Town Council The Localism Act Neighbourhood Planning Workshop May 2012

Overview of the Workshop Introduction to people Introduction to Highworth Community Partnership and what they offer Introduction to Neighbourhood Planning Questions Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats

Highworth Neighbourhood Development Plan Presentation by Maureen Penny

Neighbourhood Development Plan The Department for Communities and Local Government define Neighbourhood Planning as: “A new way for communities to decide the future of the places where they live and work” They will be able to:  Choose where they want homes, shops and offices to be built  Have their say on what those new buildings should look like

Neighbourhood Development Plan  Be in line with local and National Planning Policies and other laws  It cannot be used to block growth and is seen as a way that Communities can plan their own future  It can be used to influence the type, design, location and mix of new development  Highworth Town Council (HTC) will be developing a plan

Why do a Neighbourhood Plan? Policies in Highworth’s Neighbourhood Plan will become part of Swindon Borough Council’s ‘Development Plan’ It will have significant weight when deciding planning applications

Scope of Neighbourhood Plans Must have regard to the Local Development Plan and National Planning Policy Must be in in accordance with the policies in the Local Development Plan Must be compatible with relevant EU obligations and human rights requirements

The Neighbourhood Plan Process Highworth Town Council has decided to do a Neighbourhood Plan We have applied to Swindon Borough Council to agree the area Plan Preparation (Including Community Engagement) Plan submitted to SBC for initial Check Plan examined by independent and appropriately qualified Examiner Any Changes agreed (with further consultation if necessary) Referendum by Highworth residents (50% of those who vote) If “yes” - adoption

Statutory Stages An independently appointed Examiner will consider the Plan and the representations received to decide the following: Is the Plan in general conformity with local and national policies? Is it in line with other laws? (such as Human Rights) If it does not meet these tests then the Examiner will recommend changes, if these are significant further consultation may be needed Otherwise the Plan will be amended and proceed to the referendum stage

Statutory Stages: Referendum The SBC will organise the referendum Residents living in the Neighbourhood Plan area who are registered to vote in Highworth elections will be entitled to vote in the referendum If more than 50% of residents voting in the referendum support the plan, then the Local Planning Authority (SBC) must bring it into force

Swindon Borough Council’s Role Confirm geographical area of plan To co-operate with a Highworth Town Council and to provide technical advice and support for the preparation of the Plan –To validate and check the plan prior to its submission for public examination –Hold referendums

How much will it cost? Some potential costs to be considered are: Consultants fees Survey work Publishing and printing costs We will be looking for grants rather than taking this from the precept