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 District Council's planning and housing policy portfolio holder (currently Councillor Daren Pemberton).

Currently designated areas

The below table lists currently designated neighbourhood plan areas, documents relating to their designation, and provides a link to the District Council's page for those plans that have reached at least the pre-submission consultation (Regulation 14) stage.

Find out more

• Back to main neighbourhood planning page

For further information: please contact the Planning Policy team on 01789 260473 or email planning.policy@stratford-dc.gov.uk.