Neighbourhood Plan

The preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan is led by the local residents of the area that the Plan represents. It must be supported by the community on whose behalf it is being prepared. A Neighbourhood Plan cannot be adopted (‘made’) unless it has been approved by a majority of those voting in a local referendum.

1.1.2. Neighbourhood Plans are land-use and planning documents, therefore there are limitations on the matters a Neighbourhood Plan can influence. The policies must clearly relate only to land-use and planning, so they cannot, for example, include other matters and concerns like litter, anti-social behaviour, and the detailed management of open spaces, schools and community buildings.

1.1.3. Once a Neighbourhood Plan has been made by the Local Authority, it becomes part of what is known as the “Development Plan” for the area it covers – sitting alongside the Local Plan for the wider district. When the local planning authority receives an application for planning permission within the neighbourhood area, it must make its decision in accordance with the development plan – including the Neighbourhood Plan – unless material considerations indicate otherwise (this is set out in section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004).

1.1.4. Because it carries so much weight when planning applications are being considered and decided, a Neighbourhood Plan has to have regard to national planning policies and guidance (these are set out in the National Planning Policy Framework1, or “NPPF”, and Planning Practice Guidance2) and be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the local plan for the district. At the time of the preparation of this Neighbourhood Plan, East Lindsey District Council was in the process of preparing its Local Plan, to replace the East Lindsey Local Plan 1995. The East Lindsey Local Plan will be composed of two documents, the Core Strategy and the Settlement Proposals Document. The East Lindsey Local Plan Core Strategy (ELLPCS) was adopted immediately following submission of the ANP and now provides the strategic policies against which the ANP must be in general conformity. The policies and proposals of the ELLPCS and the Settlement Proposals Document (Submission Modification Draft) have been reflected within the ANP on its submission.

For further information please check our in depth Neighbourhood plan.