England · National documents
Neighbourhood planning
Explains preparing neighbourhood plans, community participation, examination and the steps towards making a plan.
AI-generated summaries of the linked official sources; not editorially reviewed. Sources and limits
Where this document applies
England: relevance depends on the proposal, site and planning process.
Neighbourhood planning (official source, opens in a new tab) · What is neighbourhood planning?; What can communities use neighbourhood planning for?
A neighbourhood plan and an order do different jobs
A neighbourhood plan can establish development-plan policies. A Neighbourhood Development Order or Community Right to Build Order can grant permission for specified development. These are different tools, so check which document exists and what stage it has reached.
Read the official source (official source, opens in a new tab) · What is neighbourhood planning?; What can communities use neighbourhood planning for?
Limits and checks
- This national source does not establish the local policies, designations or site facts that apply to an individual proposal.
- Some guidance predates the August 2026 Framework and may refer to earlier policy numbering. Read it with the current Framework and any applicable transition provisions.
Read alongside this document
Put the national source in your local context
Start with the exact refusal reason. Note the policy and paragraph it cites, then check your authority’s policy summary and the facts discussed in relevant appeal decisions. Each appeal turns on its own facts and does not predict another outcome.