1. Royal Leamington Spa Neighbourhood Development Plan 2029

2. What is a Neighbourhood Plan
Grass roots tier for the planning system
Instigated by local community
Part of the statutory Development Plan
In lieu of Parish Plan
Not a statutory requirement
Non prescriptive – can address a single theme with a few policies or cover a range of issues
No right of veto on wider strategic development needs
Need to conform to national and local planning policies
Once adopted material consideration for assessing planning applications which carries significant weight

3. Statutory plan gives you more influence and
control over development in the area

4. What’s in a Neighbourhood Plan?
Objectives to meet the vision of the Plan
Policies to achieve the objectives
Explanatory text to support the policies
Policies can include areas such as:
Housing and employment allocations, housing mix
to meet community needs
Protection of important community facilities and promoting new ones
Protection of open spaces, playing fields and greens
Drainage and flood prevention
High quality design, conservation of historical assets
Promotion of walking and cycling routes
Protection of allotments and promotion of new growing space
Renewable energy

5. Neighbourhood Planning Process
Designation
Prepare the plan
Formal Consultation (8 weeks)
Revise Plan
Submit Plan Warwick D.C
Warwick D.C. Consult for 6 weeks
Examination
Referendum
Plan made

6. Finding space to plan in a crowded policy environment…

7. Our Vision
“Royal Leamington Spa’s vibrant and diverse history gives our town its unique character and distinctive identity. It has become a thriving base of creative, cultural and technological innovation whilst nurturing its valued green spaces and community assets.
Looking to our future, we will continue to conserve and protect our built heritage whilst promoting enhancements which allow us to reduce our impact on climate change, support sustainable economic development, build innovative housing, support effective integrated transport systems and contribute to a healthy town.”

8. Scope and agree policy areas

9. Housing and Development Business Support/Town Centre
Our Key Themes
Housing and Development
Community and Culture
Green Spaces and Parks
Roads and Transport
Business Support/Town Centre

10. Our Key Themes
Each Theme supported by objectives which are delivered through a policy
Policy statements are supported by a background/justification
Where an objective is dependent on actions outside the scope of the Plan, these will be identified and progressed as supporting actions

11. Leamington Spa Neighbourhood Plan Consultation
Date
Activity
September 2016
Stakeholder engagement (businesses, community groups, local interest groups, councillors)
November 2016
Creation of Steering Group
January 2017
Public launch event
May/June 2017
Public drop-in sessions
June/August 2017
Attendance at 4 community events
November 2017
Web site launched
January/February 2018
Stakeholder/Steering Group Theme Workshops
June/August 2018
Attendance at 5 community events
August-December 2018
Local Green Space Designation Working Group outreach work.
February – March 2019
Pre Draft Consultation – 14 drop in sessions at Community Venues
June -August 2019
Regulation 14 Consultation Launched – Attendance at 4 Community events

12. What Next? Independent Check Submit draft plan to LPA together with:
A map or statement confirming the Neighbourhood Area
The proposed Neighbourhood Development Plan (along with all the supporting evidence)
A consultation statement to explain who and how people and organisations were consulted, any issues and concerns they raised, and how these were addressed
A statement explaining how the plan has met the ‘basic conditions’

13. What Next - Independent Check
LPA publicise proposals for 6 weeks and invites comment
Independent examiner appointed (paid for by LPA)
Appointment must be agreed with the Parish Council:
Independent
no interest in the land
appropriate qualifications and experience
Usually only considers written representations
Examiner may choose to hold a public hearing if:
needs to explore an issue in more detail
to give someone a chance to have their say

14. Community Referendum
LPA will then publish examiners report and their decision whether to put the plan to a referendum
LPA will organise (and pay for) the referendum
No minimum turnout
A majority of people voting must support the plan (50% +1)
Electoral Commission Rules on voting apply
Referendum Question:
“Do you want Warwick District Council to use the Leamington Spa Neighbourhood Development Plan for the Parish to help it decide planning applications in the Neighbourhood Area?”