Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on Neighbourhood Planning in B&NES.

The Divisional Director for Development introduced this item. She explained that the Council has worked closely with local communities in both preparing neighbourhood plans and on the Placemaking Plan. She stated that there are currently  three ‘made’ plans which have been brought into force (Stowey Sutton, Freshford & Limpley Stoke and Clutton) and another 10 plans under preparation with 6-7 expected to be ‘made’ by the end of 2016.

She said that a number of the Parish and Town Councils have sought to allocate sites or designate local green spaces via the Placemaking Plan rather than through a Neighbourhood Plan. This is an efficient way for the Parish and Town Councils to impact on development locally without incurring the additional work of a Neighbourhood Plan.

The Chairman asked is these Parish & Town Councils were still able to receive CIL funding.

The Divisional Director for Development replied that once the Neighbourhood Plan is made (adopted), a parish will receive 25% of CIL payments for development within their Neighbourhood Area, in line with the CIL Regulations (rather than the typical 15%).

The Panel RESOLVED to note the current position on Neighbourhood Planning in B&NES.