Neighbourhood Plan

A local neighbourhood plan is a tool created under the Localism Act 2011 in England, which gives parish and town councils a direct role in shaping the development of their community. Farrington Gurney Parish Council has created its own plan with the help of external experts and a cross-section of village volunteers. Here’s how it helps a parish council influence planning in its area:

1. Community-led vision
   • The plan is developed by the parish council in consultation with residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
   • This means it reflects local priorities (e.g., housing types, green spaces, infrastructure) rather than just higher-level strategic policies.
2. Influence on planning decisions
   • Once a neighbourhood plan is formally adopted (“made”), it becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area.
   • This means that local planning authorities must consider it when deciding planning applications.
   • Effectively, it gives the parish council a legal voice in shaping what gets approved.
3. Control over development type and design
   • The parish council can set policies on:
     • Where new housing should go.
     • The type and design of housing (e.g., more affordable housing, downsizer homes, or heritage-sensitive design).
     • Protecting green spaces, community facilities, or important views.
     • Encouraging local economic development (like small business spaces).
4. Balancing growth with protection
   • The parish council can guide how growth happens in a way that supports sustainability, infrastructure, and community identity, while also protecting what residents value.
5. Access to funding
   • Areas with a neighbourhood plan in place get a greater share of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money from development.
   • This funding can be used for local projects such as play areas, village halls, or transport improvements.
6. Stronger negotiating position
   • A neighbourhood plan gives the parish council greater leverage in discussions with developers and the planning authority, because its policies carry legal weight.

In short, a local neighbourhood plan helps the village translate community wishes into enforceable planning policy, ensuring that future development aligns with the character, needs, and priorities of its local area.

The Parish Council is holding a drop-in event for the Neighbourhood Plan at the Memorial Hall on Sunday, 29th March 2026, between 2 and 5 pm. Please come along if you have any questions regarding the Neighbourhood Plan. Comments can be made in writing by one of the following methods:

• By completing the form below.
• By emailing us
• By post to: The Old Parsonage, Main Street, Farrington Gurney, BS39 6UB

Representations must be submitted no later than 29 April 2026.

—-

—-