East Suffolk Council

Neighbourhood Development Plan process

This is a summary of the steps that will need to be undertaken in order for a Neighbourhood Development Plan to become part of the Local Plan and used to make decisions on planning applications. The process for preparing and adopting a Neighbourhood Development Order or a Community Right to Build Order is broadly the same as that for a Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Step 1a

• Apply for a Neighbourhood Area designation

The parish council, town council or Neighbourhood Forum must make an application to the council to designate a 'Neighbourhood Area'. Applications must include:

• an Ordnance Survey plan with the Neighbourhood Area outlined in red
• a statement explaining why this area is considered appropriate to be submitted
• a statement confirming that a relevant body is making the application, i.e. the Parish Council, Town Council or designated Neighbourhood Forum

The application will be publicised on the council's website for a minimum of 6 weeks and public notices will be provided for display in prominent locations across the Neighbourhood Area. Details of how people can make representations will be provided on the website and public notices.

The council will consider any representations received and will decide whether the Neighbourhood Area designation can be supported and formally designated.

Step 1b

• Apply for a Neighbourhood Forum designation (unparished areas only). A Neighbourhood Forum application form will be available shortly.

Where there is no parish or town council a Neighbourhood Forum application should be made at the same time as applying to designate the Neighbourhood Area.

Step 2

• Draft a Neighbourhood Development Plan in consultation with the local community.

Step 3

• Publicise Neighbourhood Development Plan for comment for a minimum of 6 weeks.

Step 4

• Independent examination by way of written representations or, if necessary, a public hearing.

Step 5

• Hold a referendum. More than 50% of the community must be in favour.

Step 6

• Adoption of the Neighbourhood Development Plan by the council.