Neighbourhood Planning

Neighbourhood Planning is a tier of Planning Policy that empowers communities to shape the development and growth of a local area. It is important to highlight that Neighbourhood Plans must be in conformity with the East Herts District Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

There are three different types of Neighbourhood Planning documents:

  • Neighbourhood Plans
  • Neighbourhood Development Orders
  • Community Right to Build Order

Neighbourhood Plans set out local planning policies for the development and use of land in a designated neighbourhood area. The policies must be in conformity with the local planning authority’s local plan and in accordance with national policy and legislation. Adopted Neighbourhood Plans form part of the statutory Development Plan that is used to determine planning applications. In East Herts, Neighbourhood Plans are generally led by Town and Parish Councils who engage with the local community.  

There are a number of adopted (made) and emerging neighbourhood plans across the district. In some cases parish / town council are now seeking to review and update their made neighbourhood plans. To find out about Neighbourhood Plans in East Herts, please see Neighbourhood Planning Activity in East Herts. 

Neighbourhood Planning Guidance

Preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan must follow procedures set out in the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations. To find out more, please see the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations and the government's planning guidance.

The Council has produced a Neighbourhood Planning Guidance Note which provides assistance and support to those communities wishing to produce a Neighbourhood Plan. For more information, please see our East Herts Neighbourhood Planning Guidance Note [1MB]. Further useful guidance and support is also available at Locality.

Hertfordshire County Council Responsibilities

The Development Services team in Hertfordshire Property are responsible for responding to requests from the Districts on HCC service requirements when preparing their Local Plans. They also provide the responses on behalf of the services to Local Plan consultation documents. This includes Children's Services (school planning/early years/youth services), Health and Community Services (accommodation/libraries/gypsy section), Community Protection (Fire and Rescue) and the Waste Disposal Authority. They are dealing with Neighbourhood Plans in the same way. Therefore any requests for information regarding HCC services should be directed to the DS mailbox at: growth@hertfordshire.gov.uk

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