How to set up a Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
In Cornwall a parish or town council is ultimately responsible for preparing the neighbourhood plan. (You are the Qualifying Body). It is important that your Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group sets out how it will interact and report back to you. Set the objectives of the steering group using a sample terms of reference.
Include a variety of individuals and groups:
A Steering Group is usually made of parish councillors and a range of volunteers from your area. A diverse group of volunteers can help to ensure your neighbourhood plan captures the concerns of different people. Your Steering Group could include:
- Town and parish councillors and local people
- Business providers, service providers and retailers
- National and local businesses
- Non-profit groups for housing, people on housing waiting lists, the homeless and self-builders
- Schools and colleges, health centres, children’s centres and nurseries
- Environmental groups and police Community Support Officers and other community interest groups
What does the law say you have to do to make a neighbourhood plan?
- The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (legislation.gov.uk) (as amended).
- The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (legislation.gov.uk).
- The Neighbourhood Planning (General) and Development Management Procedure (Amendment) Regulations 2017 (legislation.gov.uk).