Neighbourhood Plan Process Gets Underway

News: 15.02.23

We have applied to Wokingham Borough Council to have our Parish designated as a Neighbourhood Area, for the purpose of developing a Neighbourhood Plan.

Neighbourhood plans are developed by a community, working together to decide how their local area should develop and grow in the future. The Localism Act (2011) introduced neighbourhood planning. 

Neighbourhood plans must be in general conformity with the policies of the local plan for their area and they should plan positively to support it. However, and importantly, they give us the opportunity to steer and influence changes. 

There is a lot of information available; a good summary is available at here and local examples can be found on Wokingham Borough Council’s website. planning page (look for Planning Policy).

Although the Parish Council has initiated the process, and will be heavily involved, it is important that the final plan is a reflection of the needs of the whole community, and so we will shortly be seeking local residents to join the development group and even to lead it if you are willing. Look out for further updates in the coming months.

Cllr Simon Taylor
Member, Health and Wellbeing, Neighbourhood Plan, Transport and Recreation