The Localism Act 2011 introduced new rights and powers to allow local communities to prepare neighbourhood plans which establish general planning policies for the development and use of land in a neighbourhood.
Neighbourhood plans can be taken forward by two types of body - town and parish councils or 'neighbourhood forums' (community groups that are designated to take forward neighbourhood planning in areas without parishes).
Any neighbourhood plans do not take effect unless there is a majority of support in a referendum of the neighbourhood. They also have to meet a number of conditions before they can be put to a community referendum and legally come into force. These conditions are to ensure plans are legally compliant and take account of wider policy considerations (eg national policy).
There are currently no neighbourhood plans within Chesterfield Borough.
Find out more about neighbourhood planning on Gov.uk.
Contact the forward planning team
Email: forward.planning@chesterfield.gov.uk
Phone: 01246 345002