The Neighbourhood Plan Review process involves several key stages which are outlined below. The Neighbourhood Plan is currently at stage 3 which is shown in bold.
- The local community must identify the need for a review of the existing neighbourhood plan. This may be due to changes in local circumstances or new development proposals (the need for review has been identified).
- Once the need for a review is established, the neighbourhood planning group must undertake various tasks, such as collecting data and evidence, conducting consultations with the local community and relevant stakeholders, and preparing a draft revised plan (this has taken place).
- During the preparation of the draft revised plan, the neighbourhood planning group must carry out a Regulation 14 consultation. This is a formal consultation that allows members of the public and other interested parties to provide feedback on the draft plan. The consultation period should last at least six weeks and must be publicised widely to ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to comment (we have reached this stage of the process).
- After the Regulation 14 consultation, the neighbourhood planning group must consider all the feedback received and make any necessary revisions to the draft plan. The revised plan is then submitted to the local planning authority, who will carry out a further consultation known as the Regulation 16 consultation.
- During the Regulation 16 consultation, the local planning authority will publicise the revised plan and invite representations from members of the public and other interested parties. The consultation period should last at least six weeks.
- Following the Regulation 16 consultation, the local planning authority will carry out an independent examination of the plan. This involves appointing an independent examiner who will assess if the plan meets the basic conditions and legal requirements. The examiner may hold public hearings or inquiries if necessary.
- After the examination, the examiner will issue a report with recommendations. The local planning authority will then consider the examiner’s report, and if the plan is found to be sound, they can proceed with a local referendum on the plan. If the plan is approved in the referendum, it will be adopted by the local planning authority and become part of the statutory development plan for the area.
