Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Planning remains a political priority and is one of the areas for which Planning Policy Guidance has recently been updated. Following the Woodcock Holdings decision, relating to the Husterpoint and Sayers Common 2031 Neighbourhood Plan, the recommended approach to Neighbourhood Plans emerging before up to date Local Plans are in place has been clarified.

Already clear?

In Sayers Common, the Secretary of State dismissed an appeal despite his Inspector's recommendation to allow it. He concluded that the proposal would conflict with the Neighbourhood Plan, formally made after the Inspector's report. Permission was refused as the proposal would conflict with a requirement to enhance the existing settlement pattern, and was considerably in excess of the 30-40 dwellings the Neighbourhood Plan considered could be accommodated during the plan period.