What is neighbourhood planning?
Neighbourhood planning is a right for communities introduced through the Localism Act 2011. Communities can shape development in their areas through the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans (often referred to simply as Neighbourhood Plans), Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders. Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders allow communities to grant planning permission either in full or in outline for particular types of development they want to see in their areas.
Once completed, Neighbourhood Plans become part of the Local Plan covering their area. Policies contained within them are then used in the determination of planning applications and appeals. Neighbourhood Plan policies cannot block development that is already part of the Local Plan. What they can do is shape where that development will go and what it will look like.
What support is available?
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has made funding available to Locality to provide support and grants for communities looking to develop Neighbourhood Plans and Neighbourhood Development Orders.
In June 2025 MHCLG announced that it would not be proceeding with commissioning new neighbourhood planning support services for 2025 onwards. Neighbourhood planning groups with technical support packages already agreed will have until the end of March 2026 to complete these. After March 2026, government funding will be withdrawn. For further information about this announcement and all aspects of neighbourhood planning, please visit the Locality Neighbourhood Planning website.
Can Planning Aid England help?
PAE can provide brief, limited email advice and signposting to enquiries from groups preparing Neighbourhood Plans via our volunteer-led email advice service.
In some circumstances, PAE are able to provide more detailed planning advice and support to neighbourhood planning groups in areas of high multiple deprivation (as measured by the Government's Index of Multiple Deprivation). This is usually to assist with a defined aspect of plan development. If you think you are eligible for bespoke support from PAE, please complete this request form outlining what it is you are seeking assistance with.
Please note: the above support does not replace and cannot match the support provided by independent planning consultants via Locality-supported funding.