44 commercial property The role of neighbourhood plans
Neighbourhood plans are becoming an increasingly prevalent element of the decision-making process within the planning system, writes Sarah Isherwood, planner, Vail Williams LLP
Neighbourhood planning was introduced by the coalition Government as part of localism to give an opportunity for local communities to influence what is developed in their local area. Neighbourhood plans can identify any matters which the local community deem important. This can vary from sites which the community believe are appropriate for development to a specific type of building material which should be used in development to complement the existing built environment. Once these plans are adopted they are a material consideration in the council’s decision-making process.
It has taken several years for neighbourhood planning to evolve and become integrated into the existing planning environment to a point where we are now seeing the impact neighbourhood plans can have on developments proposals.
Neighbourhood plans are a material consideration and are given weight by decision-makers at all levels of the planning systems and therefore cannot simply be ignored by landowners and developers.
Within Oxfordshire the preparation of neighbourhood plans is at varying stages across the county. Numerous areas have designated neighbourhood areas and others are in the process are consulting on draft documents. Some of those that have been adopted include Thame, Woodcote, Drayton, Chipping Norton, Hook Norton and Great Coxwell.
In January this year an appeal was made by Cherwell District Council against a secretary of state decision which allowed the development of 54 homes. One of the reasons for appealing the decision is based around the argument that the Inspector did not correctly interpret
the Hook Norton neighbourhood plan. This is a clear example of how councils can put significant weight on neighbourhood plans particularly in areas where the local plan is out of date.
In recent years applications for residential development have been brought forward and approved based on the argument that councils have either an out-of- date or insufficient housing land supply. Neighbourhood plans are consequently becoming an increasingly important tool for local communities to use to control and manage further growth within Oxfordshire Villages. There have been numerous examples across England where applications for residential development and subsequent appeals have been refused on the grounds that the proposals conflict with adopted neighbourhood plans.
Neighbourhood plans are here
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to stay and should therefore be considered in the early stages of any development proposal, whether it be an immediate development or long term promotion of a site. This type of engagement with neighbourhood groups is becoming increasingly important to help lower planning risks and avoid long delays in the development process.
Details: Sarah Isherwood 0118-9097411
sisherwood@vailwilliams.com
www.businessmag.co.uk
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – APRIL 2016
2016
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