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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:

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