Neighbourhood Planning

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?

Central government funded support for neighbourhood planning ceased at the end of March, 2026. A neighbourhood planning website, operated on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) by Locality, has closed.  

To preserve the guidance and toolkits previously hosted on that website, MHCLG is in the process of transferring them to GOV.UK. Each toolkit sets out the processes and activities required to produce a neighbourhood plan and includes practical guidance and best practice throughout. Some toolkits are already available, and more are to be added. 

Separately, all of the toolkits will be updated to reflect changes to national planning policy. National planning practice guidance on neighbourhood planning will also be updated to ensure consistency. 

This work is expected to be complete by April 2027.

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.