Neighbourhood planning step by step guide

If the plan is supported by a majority at the local referendum, it then becomes part of the statutory Development Plan and must be considered by the council when determining planning applications in the neighbourhood area. The neighbourhood plan must be formally ‘made’ (i.e. adopted) by the council within 8 weeks of the referendum. 

The city council will publish the Neighbourhood Plan and a formal adoption statement on our website and make hard copies available at local libraries and at the council offices. 

If the Neighbourhood Plan covers part of the South Downs National Park, the National Park Authority is also required to formally ‘make’ the plan so that it carries statutory weight within its area.