Ministers consult on neighbourhood planning regulations

Ministers have launched a key consultation on the regulations for the government’s flagship neighbourhood planning initiative.

The regulations address issues such as how a neighbourhood will be defined, how forums that will propose plans can be set up, and the requirements for establishing a Neighbourhood Development Order.

The Department for Communities and Local Government has published an easy to understand guide to neighbourhood planning and an e-flyer for communities.

It is also consulting on Community Right to Build organisations and the orders they can establish.

Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark said: "For the first time local people will have a real voice in deciding the look and feel of development in their area through Neighbourhood Planning.

"Communities will be able to shape their own vision for the future as they see fit. They will be able to protect what makes their town or village special, including green spaces, and have their say on the design and location of new homes.”

The DCLG insisted that the regulations drew on existing procedures “where possible to minimise the time communities and councils need to become familiar with the new system”.

The consultation, which can be viewed here, on the regulations closes on 5 January 2012..

See also Angus Walker's blog: Neighbourhood planning mirrors Planning Act