Highworth Town Council

The Localism Act

Neighbourhood Planning Workshop

May 2012

Overview of the Workshop

• Introduction to people • Introduction to Highworth Community

Partnership and what they offer• Introduction to Neighbourhood Planning• Questions• Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities

& Threats

Highworth Neighbourhood Development Plan

Presentation by Maureen Penny

Neighbourhood Development Plan

The Department for Communities and LocalGovernment define Neighbourhood Planning as: “A new way for communities to decide the future of the places where they live and work” They will be able to: Choose where they want homes, shops and

offices to be built Have their say on what those new buildings

should look like

Neighbourhood Development PlanBe in line with local and National Planning

Policies and other lawsIt cannot be used to block growth and is

seen as a way that Communities can plan their own future

It can be used to influence the type, design, location and mix of new development

Highworth Town Council (HTC) will be developing a plan

Why do a Neighbourhood Plan?

• Policies in Highworth’s Neighbourhood Plan will become part of Swindon Borough Council’s ‘Development Plan’

• It will have significant weight when deciding planning applications

Scope of Neighbourhood Plans

• Must have regard to the Local Development Plan and National Planning Policy

• Must be in in accordance with the policies in the Local Development Plan

• Must be compatible with relevant EU obligations and human rights requirements

The Neighbourhood Plan Process Highworth Town Council has decided to do a Neighbourhood Plan

We have applied to Swindon Borough Council to agree the area

Plan Preparation (Including Community Engagement)

Plan submitted to SBC for initial Check

Plan examined by independent and appropriately qualified Examiner

Any Changes agreed (with further consultation if necessary)

Referendum by Highworth residents (50% of those who vote)

If “yes” - adoption

Statutory Stages

• An independently appointed Examiner will consider the Plan and the representations received to decide the following:

• Is the Plan in general conformity with local and national policies?

• Is it in line with other laws? (such as Human Rights)• If it does not meet these tests then the Examiner will

recommend changes, if these are significant further consultation may be needed

• Otherwise the Plan will be amended and proceed to the referendum stage

Statutory Stages: Referendum

• The SBC will organise the referendum • Residents living in the Neighbourhood

Plan area who are registered to vote in Highworth elections will be entitled to vote in the referendum

• If more than 50% of residents voting in the referendum support the plan, then the Local Planning Authority (SBC) must bring it into force

Swindon Borough Council’s Role

• Confirm geographical area of plan• To co-operate with a Highworth Town

Council and to provide technical advice and support for the preparation of the Plan– To validate and check the plan prior to its

submission for public examination– Hold referendums

How much will it cost?

Some potential costs to be considered are:

• Consultants fees• Survey work• Publishing and printing costs

We will be looking for grants rather thantaking this from the precept