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Neighbourhood Planning

The Localism Act has introduced 'Neighbourhood Plans' as part of the National Planning Policy Framework. These are locally prepared documents which set out what type and scale of development is needed to help a community achieve the right mix of affordable housing, employment opportunities and services.

Neighbourhood Plans will be informed by local consultation and be in line with the policies and proposals in our Local Plan - the overarching development plan for South Somerset.

Many communities in South Somerset have already produced Local Community Plans (or Town or Parish Plans). While these plans can act as a foundation for future development ideas, a Neighbourhood Plan is a separate document.

There are lots of ways to inform the planning system and get the development you wish to see in your community. Neighbourhood Plans are not the only option.

Neighbourhood planning support is a 2 year programme which has been launched to offer practical hands on support. Full programme details are available here.

There is a considerable amount of published advice on Neighbourhood Planning. The Planning Advisory Service (PAS) has a set of very useful frequently asked questions. Also available is the Neighbourhood Plans roadmap guide produced by locality, this is a guide designed to help Town and Parish Councils decide whether or not to produce a Neighbourhood Plan and if they do decide to go ahead to guide them through the process of producing the plan and how it will be delivered.

View the Neighbourhood Area Designation Map.

Find out about the Neighbourhood Plan process.

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