Producing a Neighbourhood Development Plan provides an exciting opportunity for communities to become directly involved in planning policy.  A Neighbourhood Plan would allow the local community to create a vision and planning policies for the use and development of land in their neighbourhood. For example, where new homes and businesses can be built and what they should look like. Neighbourhood Development Plans can be general or more detailed, depending on what is important to local people. They must however conform with the strategic policies in the Local Plan, and should not be used to promote a lower level of development.

The concept of Neighbourhood Planning was introduced by the Localism Act 2011 which amended current planning legislation by adding new sections and schedules. These came into force on 6th April 2012. Regulations have also been made which specify the procedures which must be undertaken when implementing the new arrangements.

For updated information on Neighbourhood Plans in the Borough, please see: https://www.meltonplan.co.uk/neighbourhood-plans

The point of contact for Neighbourhood Plans at Melton Borough Council is Jorge Fiz Alonso, who can be contacted at jfizalonso@melton.gov.uk, or alternatively you can contact Planning Policy at planningpolicy@melton.gov.uk.