Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question for the steering group about the Neighbourhood Development Plan then please browse the list of questions below as someone may have already answered it for you. If you can’t find the answer to your question below then feel free to get in touch.

What is the Localism Act 2011?

The Localism Act was issued by the government in 2011. It sets out a series of measures with the potential to achieve a substantial and lasting shift in power away from central government and towards local people. They include: new freedoms and flexibilities for local government; new rights and powers for communities and individuals; reform to make the planning system more democratic and more effective, and reform to ensure that decisions about housing are taken locally.

For more information, written in plain English, have a look at the below link: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/5959/1896534.pdf 

What is the difference between a Neighbourhood Development Plan and a Parish Plan or Village Design Statement?

Neighbourhood planning is not entirely new. Some communities are already or have been previously involved in planning for their area through community led parish plans or village design statements. These remain valid tools for parish councils to use and provide a more informal basis on which to undertake neighbourhood planning. Selby District Council has 67 parish councils of which 26 have adopted village design statement or design guidance. The Neighbourhood Development Plan gains greater weight in planning decisions and are not policy guidance.

How long will it take to complete the Neighbourhood Development Plan?

We expect it will take up to 2 years to complete the Neighbourhood Development Plan. The first steering group meeting was held in January 2017.