| Step |
What the qualifying body (eg, Parish Council, Town Council and neighbourhood forum) needs to do |
What we'll do |
| Pre-preparation |
- consider possibilities of preparing a neighbourhood plan
- consider setting up a steering group, and neighbourhood forum
|
We'll support you through this |
| Designation of the neighbourhood area |
- decide upon the area for the neighbourhood plan
- apply to us for designation of the neighbourhood area
|
We'll decide if the area is designated as soon as possible |
| Development of visions, aims and objectives |
- draft of vision, aims and objectives and consult the wider community
- collect data (eg, Office for National Statistics (ONS) and local questionnaires)
|
We'll provide support if required |
| Development of the plan |
- develop policies
- draft the plan
- consult the wider community on your draft plan
- note; you might want to undertake a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) if you're looking to allocate sites. You can combine this with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
|
We'll support you through the process |
| Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) / Habitats Regulations Assessment screening |
- reach a preliminary opinion if a SEA and HRA are required
- If a SEA is required, we have a guide to support you to prepare this, or a consultant can do that for you. If a HRA is required, you'll have to source consultants to undertake the work. You'll need to submit the SEA/HRA to us
|
We'll consider your opinion and decide if a SEA/HRA is needed, and also consult the statutory bodies on this. And we'll prepare the SEA/HRA screening report |
| Pre-submission consultation |
- undertake a six week pre-submission consultation (this should include the SEA/HRA if they're required)
- adjust the plan depending on the consultation and create a consultation statement
|
No support required |
| Revising the pre-submission plan |
- consider making changes based on the comments received in the pre-submission consultation
|
We can support you through this step if required |
| Independent health check (optional) |
- following the pre-submission consultation, the plan, supporting documents, and any comments received, can be sent to the examiner for a 'Health Check' (this usually takes 10 days for the check, and three weeks for the report)
- we use NPIERS to refer your documents to a suitable examiner
- the cost depends on the scope of the plan, but the day rate is £375 + VAT - if jointly commissioned by us and you, we'll pay two thirds of the cost
|
We'll arrange the 'Health Check' for you |
| Revising the draft plan |
- following the 'Health Check' the examiner may recommend further work or refinement of the draft plan
|
We can support you through this step if required |
| Submission of the plan |
- submit your plan to us. Please include a map, consultation statement, the plan, and a statement explaining how the plan meets relevant legislation
|
We'll check the validity of your plan and publish it for a six week consultation |
| Independent examination |
- an independent examiner will conduct the examination, usually via written representations and site visits. Occasionally, a hearing session, meeting of understanding, or accompanied site visits may be required
|
We'll consult you on the choice of examiner, and organise and pay for the examiner. We'll receive the examiners report |
| Decision by Cabinet if plan proceeds to referendum |
- you'll receive a decision on whether the plan will proceed to a referendum, or needs changing
|
Our cabinet will decide on the plan and make any necessary changes based on the examiner's report |
| Referendum |
- you'll receive the results of the referendum
|
We'll hold and pay for any local referendum. At least 28 days notice are necessary, before the referendum takes place |
| Adoption |
- you'll receive information when the plan comes into force, and you'll receive the final plan
|
We'll publish the plan, implement the plan, and then use it to guide and support planning applications |