FAQs
1 - What is a Neighbourhood Plan (NP)?
“plan proposal” means a proposal for a neighbourhood development plan submitted by a qualifying body(6) under paragraph 1 of Schedule 4B to the 1990 Act (as applied, with modifications, by section 38A of the 2004 Act). [1]
2 - Why have a NP?
NP gives village a say in what happens to our village. Government manifesto commitment to build 1.5 million houses in the term of this parliament. This could have a serious impact on the number of houses that we are mandated to build in Shrewton, and when.
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3 - What happens if we don’t have an NP?
Decisions on where houses are built in and around Shrewton are determined by Wiltshire Council and the developers without reference to the villagers (although we will be advised that the plans are being submitted.
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4 - What is a ‘qualifying body ?
“For the purposes of neighbourhood development plans the definition of “qualifying body” is in section 38A(12) of the 2004 Act (as inserted by paragraph 7 of the Localism Act 2011).[2]
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5 - What is the status of a ‘made’ NP?
Once adopted, Neighbourhood Plans form part of the local statutory development plan which forms the basis for determining planning applications in that area.[3]
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6 - What should a NP contain?
“(A1)A neighbourhood development plan may include—
(a)policies (however expressed) in relation to the amount, type and location of, and timetable for, development in the neighbourhood area in the period for which the plan has effect;
(b)other policies (however expressed) in relation to the use or development of land in the neighbourhood area which are designed to achieve objectives that relate to the particular characteristics or circumstances of that area, any part of that area or one or more specific sites in that area;
(c)details of any infrastructure requirements, or requirements for affordable housing, to which development in accordance with the policies, included in the plan under paragraph (a) or (b), would give rise;
(d)requirements with respect to design that relate to development, or development of a particular description, throughout the neighbourhood area, in any part of that area or at one or more specific sites in that area, which the qualifying body considers should be met for planning permission for the development to be granted.”[4]
7 - What should a NP not contain ?
The neighbourhood development plan must not—
(a)include anything that is not permitted or required by or under subsections (A1) to (2A) or regulations under subsection (4), or
(b)be inconsistent with or (in substance) repeat any national development management policy.” [5]
8 - Can a NP be subject to legal challenges?
Yes, but must be made at the time matter arises or during consultation (6 weeks)[6]
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9 - Has the Shrewton NP area been designated.
Yes. 30 March 2015.[7]
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10 - Does the Shrewton Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group (NPSG) have Terms of Reference?
Yes. See under About on Shrewton.Info[8]
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11 - What is the role of the PC in NP?
The town or parish council is responsible for neighbourhood planning.[9]
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12 - How much will producing the NP cost Shrewton (PC)?
Nothing. Funding for NP production is provided by The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) through Locality. Our current funding runs until Mar 2025 and we will be applying for a further grant in Jan 2025 to cover 2025-2026.
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13 - Why is meeting EU legislation part of the basic conditions for a NP?
A NP must be compatible with retained EU legislation. The making of the plan must not breach the requirements of Chapter 8 of Part 6 of the Habitats Regulations, (as amended by the Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit)Regulations 2019.
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14 - What is ‘not’ predetermination?
Prior indications of view of a matter not to amount to predetermination [10]
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15 - How is the referendum conducted ?
Wiltshire Council will publish an ‘information statement’ not fewer than 28 working days before the date of the referendum. This will provide details of the referendum process, including where and when it will be held, the question which will be asked, a map of the referendum/neighbourhood area designation and details of where the draft neighbourhood plan can be inspected. Copies of the document will be made available at our principal offices and other appropriate premises which are open to the public in the referendum area. Voters living in the referendum area will receive a poll card similar to those used at elections. People can choose to vote in person at a polling station, by post, or by proxy. The referendum will ask “Do you want Wiltshire Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Shrewton to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”
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16 - I am not in favour of building extra houses. Why do we have to ?
The Government has a manifesto commitment to build 1.5 million houses during the life of this parliament. This has been introduced through an update to the National Planning Policy Framework. The annual mandatory build target for Wiltshire has increased from 1,917 to 3,525 (increase of 83%). We do not yet know how Wiltshire Council will flow this down to the village, but we should expect to be required to build more houses sooner than the 72 currently planned for by 2038.
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[1] The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 “
[2] The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 “
[3] https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-neighbourhood-made-plans
[4] Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023
[5] Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023
[6] Legal Challenges to neighbourhood plans and orders: the Supreme Court has the final word
[8] Approved by Shrewton Parish Council 2 October 2024 (Minutes Item 24/120 ii).
[9] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/neighbourhood-planning--2#who-leads-neighbourhood-planning-in-an-area
[10] Localism Act 2011