Neighbourhood planning
Neighbourhood planning gives town and parish councils or newly formed neighbourhood forums the opportunity to prepare, with the community they represent, a planning document for their area.
Latest News
Carnforth Neighbourhood Plan - Results of the Referendum 26 January 2023
Results of the Carnforth Neighbourhood Planning Referendum were in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan. View the results here. A neighbourhood plan comes into force as part of the statutory development plan once it has been approved at referendum. The council must 'make' the plan as reasonably practicable after the referendum is held . The 'decision statement' is being prepared and envisaged will be taken to full council in March 2023. View the Referendum Neighbourhood Plan documents in the dropdown section below: NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS & Interactive Map.
Sylne-with Hest Neighbourhood Referendum – postponed pending the out come of judicial review proceedings
The Examiner concluded that subject to the recommended modifications being made to the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum. A referendum was scheduled to be held on 23 February 2023 but this had now been postponed (in accordance with Regulation 18a (2) of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012) due to judicial review proceeding having been lodged questioning the Council’s decision to proceed to referendum. On conclusion of the Judicial Review claim, the Council will update this site with regards to whether or not the Referendum is to proceed on an alternative date. View the Referendum Neighbourhood Plan documents in the dropdown section below: NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS & Interactive Map.
Caton-with-Littledale Neighbourhood Plan Referendum - coming soon
The Examiner concluded that subject to the recommended modifications being made to the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum. More details to follow.
Neighbourhood plans and interactive map
Carnforth Neighbourhood Plan - Results of the Referendum 26 January 2023
The Examiner recommended that the Carnforth Neighbourhood Plan, which covers the administrative area of the Parish, is taken as the area for the referendum. The referendum relating to the adoption of the Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Neighbourhood Plan was held on Thursday 26 January 2023. Results of the Carnforth Neighbourhood Planning Referendum were in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan. View the results here. A neighbourhood plan comes into force as part of the statutory development plan once it has been approved at referendum. The council must 'make' the plan as reasonably practicable after the referendum is held . The 'decision statement' is being prepared and envisaged will be taken to full council in March 2023.
- Referendum Information Statement
- General information on Town and Country Planning and Neighbourhood Planning
- Carnforth Neighbourhood Plan
- Carnforth Neighbourhood Plan Design Code
- Carnforth Neighbourhood Plan Housing Needs Assessment
- The Report of the Independent Examiner.
- Copies of the written representations submitted to the independent examiner
The Notice of Carnforth Neighbourhood Plan Referendum is published on the council elections page by democratic service here.
Carnforth Neighbourhood Plan - Examination of the Plan concluded
Following the end of the consultation under regulation 16, the neighbourhood plan documents and all representations have been submitted for Examination. The Examination of the Plan is carried out by an Independent Examiner who is a qualified planning professional experienced in Neighbourhood Plans. The procedure for the examination is set out in the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations.
The Examination has been concluded. The Examiner concluded that subject to the recommended modifications being made to the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum: The Report of the Independent Examiner.
Consultation under regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Plan Regulations 2012
Lancaster City Council consulted on the Carnforth Neighbourhood Plan from 4 February to 18 March 2022. Carnforth Town Council has previously consulted on their plan, however, this final consultation will be led by the city council, as outlined in Regulation 16 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.
- The submission plan and all associated documents can be viewed here
- Updated Consultation Statement [July 2022]
- Consultation responses redacted - Please note the inspector has been sent the original responses
Area designation
Carnforth Neighbourhood Plan
- Formal Notice [25 April 2018]
- Map
Slyne with Hest Neighbourhood Plan - postponed pending the out come of judicial review proceedings
The Examiner concluded that subject to the recommended modifications being made to the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum. A referendum was scheduled to be held on 23 February 2023 but this had now been postponed (in accordance with Regulation 18a (2) of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012) due to judicial review proceeding having been lodged questioning the Council’s decision to proceed to referendum. On conclusion of the Judicial Review claim, the Council will update this site with regards to whether or not the Referendum is to proceed on an alternative date.
- Referendum Information Statement - will be posted in due course
- General information on Town and Country Planning and Neighbourhood Planning
- Slyne with Hest Neighbourhood Plan
- The Report of the Independent Examiner
- Copies of the written representations submitted to the independent examiner
The Notice of Slyne with Hest Neighbourhood Plan Referendum will be published on the council elections page by democratic service 24 January 2023.
Slyne with Hest Neighbourhood Plan - Examination of the Plan concluded
Following the end of the consultation under regulation 16, the neighbourhood plan documents and all representations have been submitted for Examination. The Examination of the Plan is carried out by an Independent Examiner who is a qualified planning professional experienced in Neighbourhood Plans. The procedure for the examination is set out in the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations.
- LPA response to Examiners Initial Comments [27-07-22]
- Parish response to Examiners questions [10.8.22]
- Parish response to council Regulation 16 Consultation response [29/7/22]
- Initial Comments of the Independent Examiner [1.7.22[
The Examination has been concluded. The Examiner concluded that subject to the recommended modifications being made to the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum: Report of the Independent Examiner.
Consultation under regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Plan Regulations 2012
Lancaster City Council consulted on the Slyne with Hest Neighbourhood Plan from 4 February to 18 March 2022. Slyne with Hest Parish Council has previously consulted on their plan, however, this final consultation will be led by the city council, as outlined in Regulation 16 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.
Area designation
Slyne with Hest Neighbourhood Plan
- Consultation Report
- Formal Notice [12 April 2016]
- Map
Caton-with-Littledale Neighbourhood Plan - Referendum coming soon
The Examiner concluded that subject to the recommended modifications being made to the Neighbourhood Plan, the Caton with Littledale Neighbourhood Plan satisfies the Basic Conditions and that the Plan should proceed to referendum. The recommended modifications have now been made to the Neighbourhood Plan, the Policies Map and the Basic Conditions Statement, all found below. The referendum relating to the adoption of the Caton-with-Littledale Neighbourhood Plan will be published in due course. Results of the Caton-with-Littledale Neighbourhood Planning Referendum of the Neighbourhood Plan will be published. A neighbourhood plan comes into force as part of the statutory development plan once it has been approved at referendum. If approved, the council must 'make' the plan as reasonably practicable after the referendum is held.
- Referendum Information Statement - will be posted in due course
- Caton with Littledale Neighbourhood Plan [December 2022]
- Caton with Littledale Neighbourhood Plan Policies Map [December 2022]
- Caton with Littledale Neighbourhood Plan Basic Conditions Statement [December 2022]
- General information on Town and Country Planning and Neighbourhood Planning
- The Report of the Independent Examiner.
- Copies of the written representations submitted to the independent examiner
The Notice of Caton with Littledale Neighbourhood Plan Referendum will be published on the council elections page by democratic service in due course.
Caton-with-Littledale Neighbourhood Plan - Examination of the Plan concluded
Following the end of the consultation under regulation 16, the neighbourhood plan documents and all representations have been submitted for Examination. The Examination of the Plan is carried out by an Independent Examiner who is a qualified planning professional experienced in Neighbourhood Plans. The procedure for the examination is set out in the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations.
- Neighbourhood Plan Examiner’s Questions [28.7.22]
- Council response to the Examiners Procedural Note [14.7.22]
- Parish response to Examiner Note: Area of Separation [13.7.22]
- Parish response to Examiner Note [12.7.22]
- Examiners Procedural Note [8.6.22]
The Examination has been concluded. The Examiner concluded that subject to the recommended modifications being made to the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum: The Report of the Independent Examiner.
Consultation under regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Plan Regulations 2012
Lancaster City Council consulted on the Caton-with-Littledale Neighbourhood Plan for seven weeks, from Thursday 18 November 2021 to Thursday 6 January 2022. Caton-with-Littledale Parish Council has previously consulted on their plan, however, this final consultation was led by the city council, as outlined in Regulation 16 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.
- The submission plan and all associated documents can be viewed here
- Consultation responses redacted - Please note the inspector has been sent the original responses
Area designation
Caton-with-Littledale Neighbourhood Plan
- Consultation Report
- Formal Notice [2 July 2015]
- Map
Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Neighbourhood Plan - adopted 28 September 2022
The Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Neighbourhood Plan was formally adopted by Lancaster City Council at a Full Council Committee meeting on 28 September 2022. As per Neighbourhood Plan Regulations 2012, this neighbourhood plan is now 'made' and should be used when determining future planning applications within the identified neighbourhood area.
- Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Neighbourhood Plan Regulation 19 (Final) Decision Statement
- Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Neighbourhood Plan (adopted 28 September 2022)
- Aldcliffe with Stodday Neighbourhood Plan Design Code
- Aldcliffe with Stodday Neighbourhood Plan Housing Needs Assessment
Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Neighbourhood Plan - Results of the Referendum 21 July 2022
The Inspector recommended that the Aldcliffe with Stodday Neighbourhood Area, which covers the administrative area of the Parish, is taken as the area for the referendum. The referendum relating to the adoption of the Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Neighbourhood Plan was held on Thursday, 21st July 2022. Results of the Aldcliffe with Stodday Neighbourhood Planning Referendum were in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan. View the results here. A neighbourhood plan comes into force as part of the statutory development plan once it has been approved at referendum. The council must 'make' the plan as reasonably practicable after the referendum is held . The 'decision statement' is being prepared and envisaged will be taken to full council in September 2022.
- Information Statement
- General information on Town and Country Planning and Neighbourhood Planning
- The Draft Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Neighbourhood Plan
- The Report of the Independent Examiner
- Copies of the written representations submitted to the independent examiner
The Notice of Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Neighbourhood Plan Referendum was published on the council elections page by democratic service 21 June 2022
Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Neighbourhood Plan - Examination of the Plan concluded
Following the end of the consultation under regulation 16, the neighbourhood plan documents and all representations have been submitted for Examination. The Examination of the Plan is carried out by an Independent Examiner who is a qualified planning professional experienced in Neighbourhood Plans. The procedure for the examination is set out in the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations.
The Examination has been concluded. The Inspector recommends that the Aldcliffe with Stodday Neighbourhood Area, covers the administrative area of the Parish, is taken as the area for the referendum: The Report of the Independent Examiner
Consultation under regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Plan Regulations 2012
Lancaster City Council consulted on the Aldcliffe with Stodday Neighbourhood Plan for six weeks, from Friday 15 October 2021 to Friday 26 November 2021. Aldcliffe with Stodday Parish Council has previously consulted on their plan, however, this final consultation was led by the city council, as outlined in Regulation 16 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.
- The submission plan and all associated documents can be viewed here
- Consultation responses (redacted) - Please note the inspector has been sent the original responses
Area designation
Aldcliffe with Stodday Neighbourhood Plan
- Formal Notice [10 December 2018]
- Map
Wray-with-Botton Neighbourhood Plan - adopted 6 August 2019
The Wray Neighbourhood Plan was formally adopted by Lancaster City Council at a Full Council Committee meeting on 6 August 2019 and is the second neighbourhood plan to be adopted within the district.
As per Neighbourhood Plan Regulations 2012, this neighbourhood plan is now 'made' and should be used when determining future planning applications within the identified neighbourhood area.
Wennington Neighbourhood Plan - adopted 10 April 2019
The Wennington Neighbourhood Plan was formally adopted by Lancaster City Council at a Full Council Committee meeting on 10 April 2019 and is the first neighbourhood plan to be adopted within the district.
As per Neighbourhood Plan Regulations 2012, this neighbourhood plan is now 'made' and should be used when determining future planning applications within the identified neighbourhood area.
- Wennington Neighbourhood Plan Regulation 19 (Final) Decision Statement (PDF, 211KB)
- Wennington Neighbourhood Plan (adopted 10 April 2019) (PDF, 3.9MB)
Neighbourhood plan proceeding to referendum
December 2018
At its meeting on 4 December 2018 Cabinet unanimously approved the Wennington Neighbourhood Plan to proceed to referendum. In accordance with the examiner’s recommendation, the Wennington Neighbourhood Plan will proceed to a public referendum scheduled for Thursday 14th February 2019. Please view the Decision Statement (PDF, 102KB) and relevant documents below.
- Information Statement (PDF, 267KB)(outlines the details of referendum and eligibility to vote)
- Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDP) 2018-2031 Referendum Plan (PDF, 3.9MB)
- Statement upon General Information relating to Town and Country Planning and the Referendum (PDF, 48KB)
- Neighbourhood Plan Area Map (PDF, 1.2MB)
- Examiner's Final Report (October 2018) (PDF, 622KB)
Examination of the neighbourhood plan
August to October 2018
Lancaster City Council submitted the plan in August 2018 and all associated comments to an independent planning inspector, Mr Peter Bigger. The inspector completed his Report (PDF, 622KB) 19 October 2018, which provides the findings of the examination into the Wennington Neighbourhood Plan.
Consultation under regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Plan Regulations 2012
July 2018
Lancaster City Council consulted on the Wennington Neighbourhood Plan for six weeks, from 20 July 2018 to 31 August 2018. Wennington Parish Council has previously consulted on their plan, however, this final consultation was led by the city council, as outlined in Regulation 16 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.
Area designation
Neighbourhood Area Designation Applications
|
Cockerham Neighbourhood Plan
|
Halton with Aughton Neighbourhood Plan
|
Scotforth Rural Neighbourhood Plan
|
|
Arkholme Neighbourhood Plan
|
Morecambe Neighbourhood Plan
|
Interactive Map
The Neighbourhood Plan Interactive map can be view on this webpage
Please Note: Caton, Slyne and Carnforth are either at the Examination and or Referendum Stage and Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Referendum were in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan. As such the map is currently being updated
What is a neighbourhood area designation?
The first step in the official process of developing a neighbourhood plan is for a community to apply to us to designate a neighbourhood plan area. The local town or parish council should submit to us the following:
- A map which identifies the area to be covered by the neighbourhood plan
- A statement explaining why the boundaries chosen are appropriate
- A statement confirming that they are, as a parish or town council, a "relevant body" entitled to request that we designate their area
Central government amended the neighbourhood planning regulations in 2016 in an effort to minimise unnecessary delays. These changes removed the requirement for us to publicise and carry out six-week consultations on neighbourhood area designations. Decisions on designations are now taken under delegated powers by the Council's Economic Regeneration and Planning portfolio holder
What does a neighbourhood plan do?
Neighbourhood plans can help to influence the use and development of land in a specific area. They can establish a vision for the area, include general policies for the development and use of land, and bring forward sites for development.
There are a number of conditions that will need to be met:
- Have regard to national policies and advice, such as the National Planning Policy Framework
- Contribute to the achievement of sustainable development
- Be in general conformity with the strategic policies in the development plan for the area (our Core Strategy and our other development plan documents)
- Be compatible with European obligations and human rights requirements
Plans will have to be considered by an independent examiner to ensure that they are legally compliant and consistent with these requirements.
Following the independent examination, a local referendum will be held so that the whole community has the opportunity to vote on whether or not to adopt the plan. A majority vote (more than 50%) of the local community is needed to progress the plan towards adoption by Lancaster City Council.
Neighbourhood planning guidance and protocol
Community Rights
More details here