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Neighbourhood Plan

The Bersted Neighbourhood Plan passed the referendum in October 2014 and is now a legal document that is used when considering planning applications in Bersted.

This is a great step forward for the Parish Council as it aims to protect the character and design of the parish and encourage employment and business.

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

The Royal Town Planning Institute defines it thus;

Neighbourhood planning is a right for communities introduced through the Localism Act 2011. Communities can shape development in their areas through the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders.

Neighbourhood Development Plans become part of the Local Plan and the policies contained within them are then used in the determination of planning applications. Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders allow communities to grant planning permission either in full or in outline for the types of development they want to see in their areas.

It must be stressed that the policies produced cannot block development that is already part of the Local Plan. What they can do is shape where that development will go and what it will look like.”