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Neighbourhood Plans

A Neighbourhood Plan can provide local communities with the power to shape development in their area.

The procedure for preparing a Neighbourhood Plan is set out in the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), as well as other legislation and regulations.

If “made” (adopted), a Neighbourhood Plan becomes part of the Development Plan for the South Downs National Park.  This means that the policies and proposals in a “made” Neighbourhood Plan will be used in the determination of planning applications and appeals.

The first step is for a “qualifying body” (normally a town council, parish council, or neighbourhood forum) to apply for the designation of a Neighbourhood Area.  The application should be submitted to the SDNPA – and any other local planning authority if the area is partly outside of the National Park – for consideration and determination.

Further information can be found at:

The SDNPA has advised qualifying bodies not to start new Neighbourhood Plans or Neighbourhood Plan Reviews until the South Downs Local Plan Review has passed its examination stage, and the development strategy and strategic policies have been tested by the Planning Inspectorate.  This is particularly important if a Neighbourhood Plan is intending to allocate sites for development as the SDNPA wishes to avoid duplication with the South Downs Local Plan Review.

For further information, please contact neighbourhood@southdowns.gov.uk.