Roadmap

Step 1 Defining the neighbourhood

• The Parish Council, as the qualifying body, submits an application to the Local Planning Authority (Ashford Borough Council) to designate a neighbourhood area.
• Local Planning Authority publicises and consults on the area application (for a minimum of 4 weeks).
• Local Planning Authority designates a neighbourhood area.

Step 2 Preparation of a draft Neighbourhood Plan

• Collect ideas and prepare a draft Neighbourhood Plan.
• Gather baseline information and evidence to support Plan.
• Engage and consult those living and working in the neighbourhood area (survey questionnaire) and those with an interest in or affected by the proposals, e.g. adjoining parish council.
• Talk to local land owners and the developers.
• Identify and assess options.
• Determine whether a Neighbourhood Plan is likely to have significant environmental effect.
• Start to prepare key documents e.g. basic conditions statement.

Survey held April 2016

Feedback events July 2016

Site assessments September 2016 to March 2017

Step 3 Pre-submission publicity and 6 week public consultation on the draft Neighbourhood Plan

• Publicise the draft Neighbourhood Plan and invite representations (minimum 6 weeks consultation).
• Consult the consultation bodies as appropriate.
• Send a copy of the draft plan to the Local Planning Authority.
• Where European obligations apply, ensure compliance with relevant publicity and consultation requirements.
• Consider consultation responses and amend plan if appropriate.
• Prepare consultation statement and other proposal documents.

Step 4 Submission of draft Neighbourhood Plan to the Local Planning Authority

• Submit the draft Neighbourhood Plan to the Local Planning Authority.
• Local Planning Authority checks that submitted draft Plan complies with all relevant legislation.
• If the Local Planning Authority finds that the Plan meets the legal requirements it:
  • publicises the proposal for minimum 6 weeks and invites representations;
  • notifies consultation bodies referred to in the consultation statement; and
  • appoints an Independent Examiner.

Step 5 Independent examination

• Local Planning Authority sends draft Neighbourhood Plan and representation to the Independent Examiner.
• Independent Examiner undertakes examination to ensure that it meets the right standards and requirements.
• Independent Examiner issues a report to the Local Planning Authority and Parish Council.
• Local Planning Authority publishes the Independent Examiner’s report.
• Local Planning Authority considers Independent Examiner’s report and reaches own view.
• Local Planning Authority takes the decision on whether to send the Neighbourhood Plan to Referendum.

Step 6 & 7 Referendum and making the Neighbourhood Plan (bringing it into force)

• Local Authority publishes information statement.
• Local Authority publishes Notice of Referendum (minimum of 28 days publicity before polling takes place).
• Polling takes place in neighbourhood area.
• Results declared.
• Subject to results, Local Planning Authority considers plan in relation to EU obligations and Convention rights
• If the Neighbourhood Plan is compatible with EU obligations and does not breach Convention rights, Local Planning Authority makes the Plan (bringing it into force).