How to use this guidance
This webpage provides local advice and support for neighbourhood planning groups.
Neighbourhood planning is governed by national legislation and guidance published by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). You should read this page alongside the Government's neighbourhood planning toolkit which explains the statutory process in detail.
National guidance
Neighbourhood planning toolkit
In our toolkit we:
Summarise key steps from national guidance
Highlight Cornwall specific advice, contacts and support
Signpost where the national toolkit provides more detailed instructions
On this page:
The links will take you to the relevant sections of national guidance
We will explain local expectations or processes
Understanding national and local guidance
The National MHCLG toolkit covers legal requirements, formal stages, consultation rules and examination.
Our guidance on this page covers local policy advice, available support, contacts and advice on our processes.
Community engagement and evidence gathering
Early and meaningful engagement is a key requirement of neighbourhood planning.
The national toolkit provides detailed advice on consultation techniques and statutory requirements. This page focuses on local expectations and support,
Neighbourhood planning toolkit
Support we offer
We provide you with support to complement the national neighbourhood planning guidance.
The national toolkit explains what support groups may need.
Contact us at an early stage to make sure local priorities, constraints and support are in your plan from the beginning at neighbourhoodplanning@cornwall.gov.uk.
We can offer you support and advice on:
Alignment with the Cornwall Local Plan
Help accessing local data and evidence
We can review early engagement plans
Provide feedback on draft evidence and help you resolve any issues
Provide feedback on draft policies and help with maps
Provide feedback on site allocations and local green space allocations
Feedback on draft neighbourhood plans
Screen your draft neighbourhood plan to see if it requires Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Provide advice on who you need to consult
Guidance on local templates to make the process simpler
We will carry out a further Regulation 16 public consultation
Organise the examination
Hold the neighbourhood planning referendum
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This support is designed to help you to apply national and local guidance.
Each section of our local toolkit complements the relevant stage in the national neighbourhood planning toolkit.