Government support for neighbourhood planning

The government has announced further measures to help support the creation of communities across England.

More communities will now be able to access free, expert advice and guidance from planning professionals, as well as financial support, to help make their neighbourhood vision a reality.

Housing Minister Dominic Raab announced an extension to the neighbourhood plan scheme, being delivered by Locality and Groundwork. The government will work with community groups, to give local people a say in the development of their area, including where homes, schools and businesses should be built, how they should look and what infrastructure is needed to support them.

Community groups will be able to access a range of free help, including financial support through the £23M fund, and latest planning expertise from trained professionals, to guide them through the process of preparing a neighbourhood plan.

Housing and Planning Minister Dominic Raab said: “Neighbourhood plans are a powerful tool to help communities shape their local area, making sure the right homes are built in the right places.

“It’s vital that communities have the right support and advice available to help deliver a plan that meets their own ambitious aspirations. That’s why I’m making £23M available that will help more groups to do this.”

The neighbourhood plan scheme is proving popular, with over 2,300 communities across England having started the process, with 530 plans approved in local referendums. Previous government support has helped around seven out of ten of these communities progress their plans, with 365 neighbourhood plans finalised using support provided by the government.

Community groups can find our more information about how to apply for funding via a new website at www.neighbourhoodplanning.org

Applications to bid for funding will open on 3 April 2018.

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