Preparing a draft plan

Tasks 

1. Gather baseline information and evidence.

2. Engage and consult those living and working in the neighbourhood area and other stakeholders.
3. Identify a vision and objectives.
4. Identify and assess options.
5. Determine whether the plan is likely to have significant environmental effect. You can then identify if a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and or Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) is required.
6. Start to prepare proposals documents and draft plan.

Organisations or bodies involved

Qualifying body.

Support from the Council

Evidence to support the neighbourhood plan

Advise on evidence available to support the Local Plan and other relevant planning documents/information.

View Local Plan evidence base which may be useful for preparing the plan.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA)

Undertake an SEA and HRA screening for the neighbourhood plan. If full assessments are required this is the responsibility of the qualifying body. 

Provide a list of strategic development policies.

Advise on the statutory process for pre-submission.

Provide a contact list for statutory consultees as defined in Schedule 1 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 as amended (external link).

Provide advice on specific issues proposed within a neighbourhood plan where officer resources are available, where there is a direct link with the emerging Local Plan, and where there are issues likely to affect meeting the basic conditions.

Provide a high level review of a fully drafted (or close to fully drafted) plan prior to formal consultation where officer resources are available

Provide a formal response to the pre-submission consultation.