About neighbourhood planning

Neighbourhood planning is a right for communities introduced through the Localism Act 2011. Communities can shape development in their area through the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders.

Neighbourhood Development Plans

A Neighbourhood Development Plan sets out the policies against which planning applications are assessed.  They will become part of the Statutory Development Plan for Knowsley, which means that policies and proposals contained within them will be used in the determination of planning applications, including appeals.  It is important to note that the policies produced cannot block development that is already part of the Knowsley Local Plan and which includes the Knowsley Local Plan Core Strategy, adopted in January 2016.  What they can do is shape and influence where that development will go and what it will look like.

Neighbourhood Development Orders

A Neighbourhood Development Order can grant planning permission either in full or in outline for specified developments in a Neighbourhood Area, subject to restrictions.  Once established there would be no need for anyone to apply to the Council for planning permission if it is for the type of development covered by the Order.

Community Right to Build Orders

A Community Right to Build Order is a type of Neighbourhood Development Order insofar as it grants planning permission for types of development that communities want to see in their area.  As well as housing, this included other amenities for the benefit of local people such as a community building or playground.

Who can undertake Neighbourhood Planning

This depends on whether the area in which you live is parished. In parished areas of Knowsley, only the local Parish or Town Council can lead on Neighbourhood Planning for your community. In non-parished areas of the Borough, a community gathering known as a Neighbourhood Forum needs to be established to lead the process.

In either case, the qualifying community body (Parish/Town Council or prospective Neighbourhood Forum) needs to apply to Knowsley Council to have an area designated as a Neighbourhood Area.  This will then become the area where Neighbourhood Plans apply.

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