Getting involved in your local plan
How can I get involved?
Everyone can have their say in preparing or altering the local plans. Whether you work, run a business, live in the area, or whatever your interest, it is particularly important for you to get involved if you want a say in how the area is developed in the future. Your opinions at this stage can be more effective than trying to influence decisions over planning applications later. This is because planning applications must be decided in accordance with the Development Plan (unless material considerations indicate otherwise).
We publicise the preparation of our Structure and Local Plans and provide opportunities for you to comment at different stages of the preparation process. To make the most of these opportunities you could -
- Contact us. Find out which plans we are preparing, what stage we have reached, and make your views known
- Meet the relevant planning officer. Benefit from their professional knowledge, experience and opinions
- Find out which councillors will be making decisions about the plan, and make sure they know your views and any alternative suggestions you may have
- Obtain copies of relevant documents such as the relevant Structure Plan and existing Local Plans
You may want to do this on your own or as part of a local organisation such as a community council, resident's association, local business or amenity group.
By encouraging participation and consultation at the various stages of local plan preparation, we aim to ensure that you contribute opinions before decisions are taken.
The amount of participation and consultation will depend on the circumstances, for example whether we are proposing a new plan or just altering an existing one. For a new plan, it could well involve public or special group meetings, workshops, a local exhibition or leaflets, or a send-out of the draft document to interested parties.
Increasing use will be made of our web site for publicity and consultation exercises.
