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Neighbourhood Planning

 

Are there any Neighbourhood Plans in Three Rivers?

Yes, there are currently two Neighbourhood Plans in the District. The Croxley Green Neighbourhood Plan was 'made' in January 2019 and the Chorleywood Neighbourhood Plan was 'made' in May 2021. Both Neighbourhood Plans now form part of the Development Plan for the District. Please go to the Croxley Green Neighbourhood Plan and Chorleywood Neighbourhood Plan pages below for further information.

Croxley Green Neighbourhood Plan

Chorleywood Neighbourhood Plan

Are there any Neighbourhood Areas in Three Rivers?

Yes, there are currently five designated Neighbourhood Areas.

  • The Sarratt Neighbourhood Area was designated in July 2019. Click here to view details.
  • The Batchworth Neighbourhood Area was designated in June 2018. Click here to view details.
  • The Croxley Green Neighbourhood Area was designated in January 2014. Click here to view details.

  • The Abbots Langley Neighbourhood Area was designated in November 2014. Click here to view details.
  • The Chorleywood Neighbourhood Area was designated in July 2014. Click here to view details.

You can also view a map of the District detailing where the Neighbourhood Areas are:

TRDC Designated Neighbourhood Areas Map (pdf)

What are Neighbourhood Plans?

A Neighbourhood Plan will generally relate to development and the use of land and, at the basic level, contain development management polices such as more detailed design policies.

Can we stop development from happening in our area?

No. One of the main aims of Neighbourhood Planning is to increase the rate of housing and economic development by improving community buy-in to development proposals. Neighbourhood Plans will not be able to prevent development in a neighbourhood – they can only include proposals for an equal (or greater) amount of growth than is set out in the Three Rivers Local Development Framework (Local Plan) and national guidance.

Who will prepare them?

Neighbourhood Plans can be produced by Town or Parish Councils or, where there is none, a community group in the form of a Neighbourhood Forum . Local communities will be able to propose the boundaries of their neighbourhood. However, if a Parish/Town Council exists, the neighbourhood will reflect the Parish/Town Boundaries.

How much work will be required to produce a Neighbourhood Plan?

The level of work will largely depend on how much detail the plan goes into. This will be decided at the local level. The Plan itself is prepared by the Parish or Town Council or Neighbourhood Forum.

Neighbourhood Planning Process

There are Government regulations that set out the key stages to be followed. The Neighbourhood Development Plan Process will include a number of stages including community engagement and consultation on the draft document. Given that a Neighbourhood Plan, once adopted, will be used to determine planning applications, it is also subject to an examination and a community referendum (the majority of those voting must agree to it) before it can be adopted.

How much will it cost to do a Neighbourhood Plan and who pays?

The cost of producing a Neighbourhood Plan or Development Order will vary depending on its contents.  The development plan system is evidence driven and the purpose of the examination is in part to consider whether a plan is supported by the evidence. It is likely that evidence (usually technical studies) have already been produced by the LPA that will meet the requirements of neighbourhood plans. However some new evidence may be required depending on the nature of the Plan. The LPA will be able to assist with advice on the commissioning of any studies which are necessary but the cost will fall to the Parish Council/Neighbourhood Forum.

Initial estimates range between £15,000 - £50,000 including the Referendum and Examination. Costs may be greater if technical studies are needed to justify the approach being taken (cost of professional fees). 

It will be up to the Parish or Town Council or Neighbourhood Forum to pay for the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan. The Localism Act suggests that the business community could contribute to the costs. (The District Council has a duty to pay the costs of the Examination and Referendum).

How does a Neighbourhood Plan link with other planning policy?

Neighbourhood Plans are the first plans developed at a Parish/Neighbourhood level with legal force. They are formal statutory documents and are additional to, not a replacement for, the emerging Three Rivers Local Development Framework (Local Plan). If a Neighbourhood Plan is adopted after following the formal process set out above, it will be used by Three Rivers District Council to make decisions on planning applications.

How can the District Council help?

We have a duty to provide technical advice and support to communities producing a Neighbourhood Plan. The level of support will depend on budgetary and staffing constraints. We also have a duty to: 

  • agree the composition and designate Neighbourhood Forums
  • agree the boundary of the area to be covered by a Neighbourhood Plan
  • organise the independent examination of the Neighbourhood Plan and arrange and fund the referendum
  • formally adopt the Neighbourhood Plan and bring it in to force

Please contact the Development Plans Team at trldf@threerivers.gov.uk or call us on 01923 776611.

How can Hertfordshire County Council help?

The Development Services team in Hertfordshire Property are responsible for responding to requests from the Districts on HCC service requirements when preparing their Local Plans.  They also provide the responses on behalf of the services to Local Plan consultation documents. This includes Children’s Services (school planning/early years/youth services), Health and Community Services (accommodation/libraries/gypsy section), Community Protection (Fire and Rescue) and the Waste Disposal Authority.

They are dealing with Neighbourhood Plans in the same way.  Therefore any requests for information regarding HCC services should be directed to the DS mailbox at development.services@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Where can I find further Information?

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