A principal authority

1
A principal authoritys view of neighbourhood
planningAndrew TaylorUttlesford District
Council
2
Outline

• Looking back
• Early optimism
• Current realism
• Local Plan vs Neighbourhood Plan
• Future balance

3
Looking back

• The District Council is a higher authority and
  knows best.
• Regional imposed targets.
• Consultation occurred but the decision/power
  rested with the District.

4
Early optimism

• Localism Bill/Act introduced new concepts.
• Ministers proudly heralded the dawn of a new age
  of localism and community engagement.
• Encouraged Parish/Town Councils to produce
  Neighbourhood Plans and bid for Front Runner
  funding.

5
Current realism

• Seen a changing relationship with certain
  Councils.
• District is not sure whether it should be
  supporting or leading the NP process.
• Concern that Ministers have over promised in
  terms of actual changes/powers.
• Resulted in a conflict between district and local
  views.

6
Local Plan vs Neighbourhood Plan

• Which should come first?
• Transition period.
• Which should make the key decisions?
• What is left for Neighbourhood plans?

7
Future balance?

• New Local Plans in place.
• Neighbourhood Plans developing details for key
  allocations and new allocations.
• Councils understand and accept new powers and
  responsibilities.

8
Conclusions
9

• Andrew Taylor
• Assistant Director Planning and Building Control
• ataylor_at_uttlesford.gov.uk