A good number of church leaders have experience of getting involved in the planning process. If you would like to compare notes, it may be that we can put you in touch with somone we know in your area or denomination. Here are some key links for further information.
The Government Communities and Local Government department
The Govenerment website for planning and the environment, including the provision of new housing, can be seen here. The Governments website for housing and planning can be seen here.
New housing developments are all covered by the National Planning Policy Framework.
The Governments Planning Portal
The Planning Portal is the Governments online resource for everything to do with the planning process. The updated Planning Portal website ‘home’ page can be adapted to suit various people, including individuals who want to put an extension onthe house, professional planners who want access to a database of information etc. All developers need to put in planning applications for new housing areas.
Glossary of terms web page. See here.
The Planning Portal links to local developments being planned in your area. See here.
Information through the Planning Portal about current Government reform of the planning seystem can be seen here.
Planning Aid England
Planning Aid England offers planning advice and support to individuals and communities. On their website they say: ‘we believe everyone should have the opportunity to get involved in planning in their local area, and provide people with the knowledge and tools to achieve this’.
Website of Planning Aid England
Neighbourhood Planning
Neighbourhood Planning is a process whereby community groups can engage with planning through formal consultation. It is not restricted to planning re new housing. From the Planning Portal website we read: Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. They are able to choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built, have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided, and grant planning permission for the new buildings they want to see go ahead. Neighbourhood planning provides a powerful set of tools for local people to ensure that they get the right types of development for their community where the ambition of the neighbourhood is aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area.
The Forum for Neighbourhood Planning is a network, news exchange, and resource directory where one local community can draw on experience of another when engaging with Neighbourhood Planning.
Forum for Neighbourhood Planning