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Essential system maintenance – Saturday 16 May

Please be aware that Amber Valley Borough Council will carry out a full power shutdown on Saturday 16 May, starting at 7am.

During this time:

All Amber Valley–hosted websites and online services will be unavailable, including payments, planning applications, and other digital services

Our phone lines will also be affected

In an emergency posing a threat to life or property, please call 07795 343684.

Thank you for your patience.

Neighbourhood planning

Neighbourhood planning is a key part of the Localism Act 2011, through this the government has enabled local communities to have a direct say in the future of development of the local area.

Neighbourhood planning is a way to help communities play a greater role in shaping the future of the places where they live and work.

Neighbourhood planning tools:

  • Neighbourhood plans
  • Neighbourhood development orders
  • Community right to build orders

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

A Neighbourhood Plan is a document which sets out the vision and planning policies for the use and development of land in the neighbourhood area. It can shape, direct and help to deliver sustainable development to be more appropriate to local context and it should focus on guiding development rather than preventing it.

Key principles of a Neighbourhood Plan:

  • Community initiated - led by the parish / town council or a designated neighbourhood forum in non-parished areas;
  • Must be realistic; and
  • Must be based on evidence and agreed through consultations with the community

A Neighbourhood Plan must meet certain specified 'basic conditions', these will be tested through the independent examination of the Neighbourhood Plan.

The basic conditions are:

  • Must have appropriate regard to national policy
  • Must contribute to the achievement of sustainable development
  • Must be in general conformity with the strategic policies in the development plan
  • Must be compatible with human rights requirements
  • Must be compatible with EU obligations

Once a neighbourhood plan has been 'made' and adopted by the local planning authority it will become part of the local development framework and used in the decision-making process of planning applications within the area. 

Use the drop down menu below to find out more.

  • What are the key issues and aspirations of your local area?
  • Is a neighbourhood plan the right tool to address the aspirations and resolve the issues?
  • What resources are available to shape the future of your community?
  • How would you identify a neighbourhood area?
  • The community takes responsibility for deciding its future
  • The community gains a greater understanding of the issues it faces and the practicalities of addressing them.
  • Part of the Amber Valley local development framework
  • Sense of community and create a sense of pride
  • Brings the community together to tackle local issues
  • You will have to tackle difficult issues
  • Very resource intensive, requires considerable commitment / volunteers time, energy and staying power.
  • Frustrating if not achieving ambitious expectations
  • Could be divisive not everyone will be happy with the outcomes.
Need further help or information?

Contact the team directly on 01773 841584 or email LDF@ambervalley.gov.uk

Pages in Neighbourhood planning Neighbourhood Plan for Belper Crich Parish Neighbourhood Plan Dethick, Lea and Holloway Neighbourhood Plan Frequently asked questions Hazelwood Parish Neighbourhood Plan Holbrook Neighbourhood Plan Idridgehay, Alton and Ashleyhay Neighbourhood Plan Kirk Langley Neighbourhood Plan Quarndon Neighbourhood Plan Ripley Neighbourhood Plan Shottle and Postern Neighbourhood Plan South Wingfield Neighbourhood Plan Swanwick Neighbourhood Plan Turnditch and Windley Neighbourhood Plan