Recommendations for funding towards neighbourhood planning put to government by think tank 

Localis has made neighbourhood planning recommendations to the government.

A report by think tank Localis, has made recommendations that have been put forward to the central government regarding the funding of neighbourhood planning. With neighbourhood planning being introduced in 2011, helping local neighbourhood groups take on the power to implement their vision for their neighbourhood. Regarding the development of local land for housing and other infrastructure, making suggestions on the design of new developments and making further suggestions for the development of their local area.

Localis has suggested more funding needs to be provided by the central government in order for neighbourhood planning to be supported. Taking a further look into this latest report, land promoter, Rosconn Strategic Land, have helped to explain in more detail what a neighbourhood plan is and what the recommendations from Localis suggest.

What is a neighbourhood plan?

First introduced within the Localism Act of 2011. A neighbourhood plan allows communities within a local area to take control and work to implement a vision they have for their neighbourhood. Shaping the development and growth of their area. However, it is important to note that transport planning should be an integral part of a neighbourhood plan as it helps ensure that the development of a local area is not just focused on housing and other infrastructure but also ensures that any new developments are accessible to all members of the community. This will help improve mobility for those who need it, such as the elderly, disabled people and those with limited transport options. Transport planning helps to create an accessible network of pathways, roads and public transport that connects different areas in a local area. It also helps to reduce congestion on roads by making sure that road networks are designed in a way that minimises traffic from suburban areas to major cities and towns. These neighbourhood plans are led and produced by local community organisations within the parish or town council. Once a neighbourhood plan is adopted, this can be implemented as part of the local plan for the wider area.

The report by Localis into neighbourhood planning

The report by Localis made several recommendations which have been put forward to the central government, this includes:

• The government should use the planning system to create a “stewardship” model to deliver new housing. Combining the work of developers, local authorities, and community groups to create a planning partnership between the three groups.
• The Government should set aside national funds, which should be used to support neighbourhood planning and offset the carbon produced by new developments.
• The government should make a return to the regional strategic planning tier, by setting up what would be known as “regional growth boards”. This would be used to oversee “joined-up strategic thinking on climate action, transport, infrastructure and housing provision”.

Localis Chief Executive offered his thoughts:

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis said: “If the government is serious about delivering quality housing its needs to find money to support design codes and neighbourhood planning, and carbon offsetting if we are to reach net zero. These are things which need to be addressed.”