What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
In 2011 the Localism Act enabled the devolution of decision making powers from central government to individuals and communities. This created the right for residents to shape development in their communities through the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans.
- Created by the local community, a Neighbourhood Plan provides a framework to guide local development.
- A Neighbourhood Plan enables us to influence the location, nature and scale of building in the parish - for example, where new homes could go and which areas should be protected.
- Unlike the old Parish Plan, the Neighbourhood Plan will have real teeth. Once adopted, it has legal weight and becomes part of Cornwall Council's planning regulations.
- However to be approved, it MUST reflect the needs and views of local people.
Why do we need a Neighbourhood Plan?
- There is increasing pressure to allow relatively large development in areas like Hatt and Botus Fleming.
- With a Plan, we have a major influence on the nature, scale and location of any development in the parish.
- Without a Plan, decisions will be made elsewhere and our influence will be very limited.
- With a Plan, the Parish gets more of the money paid to Cornwall Council be developers.
How can you have your say?
Residents have a say throughout the entire process and then get to vote in a referendum before the Neighbourhood Plan can be adopted.