What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
The idea of neighbourhood planning was introduced by the Localism Act 2011, which gave greater decision-making to local areas and neighbourhoods in regard to planning. It allowed the creation of plans and policies to guide new developments, covering aspects such as type, location and pace of development and can take account of the specific needs and characteristics of the area. This process results in a neighbourhood plan covering a specific area.
Neighbourhood planning isn’t about stopping growth, it is about letting the people who know about, and care for an area, influence its planning. Along with six other local villages, East Harptree Parish is represented by the Chew Valley Neighbourhood Plan (CVNP). Many local residents were involved in this and a huge amount of work and consultation went into its development. It was finally ‘made’ (adopted) in July 2017, following a local referendum. The Plan includes a section specifically about East Harptree Parish. Once adopted, the Neighbourhood Plan forms part of B&NES Local Plan and has to be considered in council planning decisions, making it an important document.
The Chew Valley Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is made up of representatives from each of the seven parish councils. It monitors issues relating to the CVNP, including when it may need to be reviewed and updated.
See the Chew Valley Neighbourhood Plan (referendum version).