Neighbourhood Planning
On this page:
Adopted neighborhood plans
There are three adopted neighbourhood plans in Dover district. These are:
Each adopted plan and its supporting documents can be viewed using the hyperlinks above.
Other designated areas
Six other parishes in the district have designated their parish ready to produce neighbourhood plans. These are:
If you would like to designate your own parish as a Neighbourhood Area, please see our guidance on setting up a neighbourhood area.
What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
Neighbourhood planning was introduced through the Localism Act (2011), and the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations (2012).
It enables local communities to shape development and growth in their area through the production of one of the following:
- A Neighbourhood Development Plan ('neighbourhood plan' or NDP)
- A Neighbourhood Development Order (NDO)
- A Community Right-to-build Order (CRO)
To produce one of these, a Qualifying Body (either the Town/Parish Council or a Neighbourhood Forum) must first apply to the District Council to have their Parish or area 'designated'.
Once designated, the Qualifying Body can then prepare and produce a neighbourhood plan. This plan must be in general conformity with the strategic objectives of the adopted Local Plan. They cannot be used to prevent development. Early engagement with the district council is encouraged, to help make the plan as effective as possible, while ensuring compliance.
The draft plan must undergo public consultation and be approved by referendum before it can be adopted or 'made' by the district council. It then becomes part of the statutory Development Plan, and is a material consideration when considering planning applications in that parish or designated area.
Further information
Further information on the neighbourhood planning process and FAQs are available below:
Websites:
Documents:
Local communities can also prepare other community-led plans (e.g. Village Design Statements and Parish Plans), although these do not form part of the Development Plan.
If you have any further questions on neighbourhood planning or are thinking of preparing a neighbourhood plan for your area please get in touch with us at planningpolicy@dover.gov.uk
Contact
Tel: 01304 872 244
Email: planningpolicy@dover.gov.uk