More communities across England will be able to get free access
to expert advice and guidance to help make their neighbourhood
vision a reality, Housing Minister announced today (19 March
2018).
A £23 million fund – being delivered by Locality and Groundwork –
will help local groups to develop a neighbourhood plan. These
plans give local people a say in the development of their area,
including where homes, schools and businesses should be built,
how they should look and what infrastructure is needed to support
them.
Community groups will be able to access a range of free help
including financial support and latest planning expertise from
trained professionals, to guide them through the process of
preparing a neighbourhood plan.
Housing and Planning Minister said:
Neighbourhood plans are a powerful tool to help communities
shape their local area, making sure the right homes are built
in the right places.
It’s vital that communities have the right support and advice
available to help deliver a plan that meets their own ambitious
aspirations. That’s why I’m making £23 million available that
will help more groups to do this.
Over 2,300 communities across England have started the process of
neighbourhood planning, with 530 plans approved in local
referendums.
Previous government support has helped around 7 out of 10 of
these communities progress their plans, with 365 neighbourhood
plans finalised using support provided by the government.
The maximum grant available has also been increased by £2,000 to
£17,000, helping communities to access more resources to develop
a plan for their area.
Community groups can find our more information about how to apply
for funding via a new website at www.neighbourhoodplanning.org.
Applications to bid for funding will open on 3 April 2018.
Further notes
Locality and Groundwork UK were appointed to oversee the fund
following a full and transparent procurement process.
Locality will use its expertise, skills and track record advising
on development to help communities to reach the full potential of
their neighbourhood plan from start to finish.
Their dedicated website will provide clear information on
neighbourhood planning and signpost to highly qualified
specialists from a range of organisations, including design and
engineering professionals at AECOM and the Royal Institute of
Chartered Surveyors.
Groundwork UK has been appointed to administer application
process for grant funding, ensuring finance is available for
groups to cover the costs associated with producing a successful
neighbourhood plan.
