Planning Policy

1. Neighbourhood planning Breathe New Planning Policy March 2018 Planning Policy

2. NP’s are statutory documents which have significant weight in the determination of planning applications. • The policies within a NP become part of the Council’s development plan • Parishes with a ‘made’ NP receive 25% of CIL payments arising from development within the area • The process requires engagement with residents & identification of their concerns, leading to a plan for the future Why prepare a Neighbourhood Plan? Planning Policy

3. The government is providing funding and support through Locality: • 2018-22 £23million = £9,000 per group + potential £8,000 for groups allocating sites or in complex areas • Technical support from Aecom • The process requires engagement with residents & identification of their concerns, leading to a plan for the future Other benefitsa Planning Policy

4. NP’s should provide locally specific information which can add detail to Local Plan policies A NP is an opportunity to: • collect data about your area • to understand the concerns of your residents • to consider the future needs of your area and plan for it • build community in the process NP’s must be evidence based Planning Policy

5. No – NeighbourhoodDevelopment Plans – government claims that NP areas have 10% more development than non NP areas BUT can influence the type, design, location and mix of new development • Can guide development to certain places by allocating sites • Can improve design by providing evidence of local character within a design policy or a Character Assessment/Design Statement • Can encourage development in order to deliver other objectives Can a NP stop development? Planning Policy

6. NP’s do not have to be just about housing, they can focus on many things: • Improving design • Green and open spaces • Regeneration of a particular area • Health • Green energy What do you want to achieve?a Planning Policy

7. In parished areas, the Parish Council is the Qualifying Body which will oversee the NP Steering Group • Designating a Neighbourhood Area – can be the whole parish or a particular area • NP’s take about 3 years to complete • Do you have enough volunteers? First steps/other considerations Planning Policy

8. Do you have up-to-date population figures? Projections for the future? • What housing types do you have? Any gaps? • Community facilities – what, where, condition, how well used are they, future needs? • Footpath and cycle networks – well used, signed, improvements needed? • Open and green spaces, sports facilities? NP’s must be evidence based Planning Policy

9. To confirm geographical area of plan • To co-operate with a Parish/Town Council and to provide technical advice and support for the preparation of the Plan • To validate and check a plan prior to their submission for public examination • Source examiners and hold referendums • No duty to provide financial assistance Local Authority support Planning Policy

10. SBC website Neighbourhood planning protocol https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20113/local_plan_and_planning_policy/650/neighbourhood_planning/1 Locality/My community http://locality.org.uk/projects/building-community/ RTPI Planning Aid (E-bulletin, case studies) at: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/planning-aid/neighbourhood-planning/ Local groups who have finished their NP – Wroughton, South Marston and Highworth parish councils Sources of information Planning Policy

11. Thank you www.swindon.gov.uk Any questions? Planning Policy