A principal authority’s view of neighbourhood

planning

Andrew TaylorUttlesford District Council

Outline

• Looking back

• Early optimism

• Current realism

• Local Plan vs Neighbourhood Plan

• Future balance

Looking back

• The District Council is a ‘higher’ authority and knows best.

• Regional imposed targets.

• Consultation occurred but the decision/power rested with the District.

Early optimism

• Localism Bill/Act introduced new concepts.

• Ministers proudly heralded the dawn of a new age of localism and community engagement.

• Encouraged Parish/Town Councils to produce Neighbourhood Plans and bid for Front Runner funding.

Current realism

• Seen a changing relationship with certain Councils.

• District is not sure whether it should be supporting or leading the NP process.

• Concern that Ministers have over promised in terms of actual changes/powers.

• Resulted in a conflict between district and local views.

Local Plan vs Neighbourhood Plan

• Which should come first?

• Transition period.

• Which should make the key decisions?

• What is left for Neighbourhood plans?

Future balance?

• New Local Plans in place.

• Neighbourhood Plans developing details for key allocations and new allocations.

• Councils understand and accept new powers and responsibilities.

Conclusions

Andrew Taylor

Assistant Director Planning and Building Control

ataylor@uttlesford.gov.uk