Neighbourhood Planning

Neighbourhood Planning support: latest news

Planning Aid England (PAE) will help communities through the key stages of the Neighbourhood Planning process under the Supporting Communities in Neighbourhood Planning, 2013-15 initiative. PAE will work directly with neighbourhood planning groups to provide support, advice and professional input to the plans being prepared by those communities.

Press release 14 March 2013: RTPI part of winning Neighbourhood Planning bid

How is Planning Aid England supporting communities engaged in Neighbourhood Planning?

Neighbourhood Planning is not a new concept and Planning Aid England has years of experience in working with communities to help them define their areas and have a meaningful say in the planning system. However, the Neighbourhood Planning powers offered under the Localism Act mean that communities can have much more influence than they have had previously as they will write the policies rather than commenting on those that have been written by others.

We're working with a number of community groups who are actively participating in Neighbourhood Planning. We work with some of the Front Runners (five waves totalling 233 groups) who have been trialling the new powers, as well as with disadvantaged communities.

Since we started working with PAE in May 2012, we have progressed greatly.

We help groups progress their Neighbourhood Plan, explaining the process and what can be acheieved.

Jill Simpson-Vince, Chair of Coton Forward, said "Since we started working with PAE in May 2012, we have progressed greatly. Coton Forward was created as the Neighbourhood Forum for the plan, and we are approaching the end of our consultation phase for both our Forum and Area. I have no doubt that we would not have got this far without the support and advice from PAE."

Our work ranges from workshops explaining the concept of Neighbourhood Planning through to more bespoke training events such as how to write policy and undertake effective community engagement. We also provide direct support to many groups through a network of volunteers who act as sounding boards or critical friends.

Find out more

We have a number of case studies of our work along with some Neighbourhood Planning briefing notes in our online resources. We also have our Forum for Neighbourhood Planning which has news, events, resources and discussion forums for all those involved in Neighbourhood Planning, and a free, monthly e-bulletin, Up Front. Sign up to receive Up Front.

How Planning Aid England can help

Read our Neighbourhood Planning support leaflet (pdf, 1.2 mb)

We're not looking to write the plan on behalf of the community as that would defeat the purpose of devolving these powers to the community. We're there to empower communities to undertake the work themselves through training, support materials and direct volunteer support.

Andy Gutherson, Chair of the Caistor Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said "The support and guidance of PAE has been invaluable to Caistor as a Neighbourhood Plan Front Runner... PAE's volunteers have brought a range of experiences and backgrounds to the project which is helpful in ensuring debate and exploration of different views on key issues."

The support and guidance of PAE has been invaluable to Caistor.

If you would like to get in touch with us to discuss how we might be able to assist you in your Neighbourhood Planning journey please email info@planningaid.rtpi.org.uk.

If you have a general query on Neighbourhood Planning or any other planning related matter you can call our national advice line on 0330 123 9244.