The Parish Council has decided to commence a

Griston Neighbourhood Plan, which, if accepted

by the village, will give us a greater degree of

control over Griston's future development.

 

Just how this might be affected by the new

government's approach to the planning system

remains to be seen, but if we don't start, we

can't finish!

 

Neighbourhood Plans were introduced by the

Localism Act 2011. They give local people an

increased say in the future of their communities,

and once adopted they become statutory

documents, meaning they have to be taken into

account when planning applications are

considered.

 

Again, this might now change with the

Government's declaration to maximise house

building developments, potentially against

community wishes.

 

A Neighbourhood Plan must reflect local needs and these are first canvassed before starting in a local consultation. They are then later confirmed at the final stage in a local referendum when villagers vote to say whether they agree with the Plan and want it to go ahead. 

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Neighbourhood Plans are not standalone documents that allow communities to decide everything about development; but they form part of - and align with - the national, county and district council's local plan. They do, however, place village opinions and priorities at the forefront, and as a Statutory Document, have to be taken into consideration.. 

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The initial consultation with our villagers will be via a postal questionnaire to all households, and this will be issued once we set up the team and notify Breckland Council of our intention. You can expect this in the next three months.

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Producing a Neighbourhood Plan is a significant exercise and will take up to three years to go through all the stages required by law. The plan will be written and compiled by Committee, which will report into the Parish Council. When the Committee meets at key stages of progress, it will be in public with defined agendas, including public input. Smaller parts of the work below the Committee will be undertaken by Working Parties.

 

We would be grateful for offers of assistance from villagers, whether is distributing questionnaires, helping with canvassing, writing, research, proof reading, etc. 

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The good news is that Neighbourhood Plans are just about 100% funded by central Government grants, including paying for a specialist consultant to guide us, all printing and postal costs, as well as the cost of the final public voting exercise. 

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This is an exciting opportunity for the village to take a greater say in our own affairs and the Parish Council is relishing the challenge and looking forward to reaping the benefits.

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To see the level of work and commitment needed - and understand the process - please take a look at the Neighbourhood Plan Roadmap, published by Locality.

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The specific Government website covering the subject is https://neighbourhoodplanning.org., as well as at the Ministry website Neighbourhood planning - .gov.uk

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Updates will be posted on this website and, of course, in The Waylander!