www.torbay.gov.uk

Localism & Neighbourhood PlanningPat Steward

Feb 2012

LocalismThe Localism Act 2011 sets out a series of changes in law to achieve a substantial and lasting shift in power from central government to local communities.

Big changes in planning!!

Regulations yet to set out exactlywhat changes, but…..

Planning always tried to be inclusive, but..“Tell us and we

forget…..”

LP / LDF

Old system

Area Action Plans

National

RSS /

Structure Plans

Development

Neighbourhood Plan

New system

Lo

cal

Dev

elo

pm

ent

Pla

nNeighbourhood

Plan

Neighbourhood Plan

NP

PF

“Tell us and we forget;

show us and we remember; involve us and

we understand.”

1000:52

Sustainable Growth

Is there a Contradiction between Localism and Growth?

Localism Growth

Big Messages

• Get on with it – local councils, communities and land owners should not hold back on doing work; delay is not an option; take a less risk averse approach.

• Not nimbyism – Localism is very different from nimbyism; there are new funding streams for communities that support growth / change; no change and no growth – as an entrenched position – is not seen as an option by Government.

• Planning, but without the system – there is now less emphasis on the ‘system’ or process, and more emphasis on creativity, innovation, participation, integration and high quality outcomes.

• Consensus – there is a need for an inclusive approach that builds consensus, rather than an exclusive approach dominated by a vociferous minority; we need to tap into the views, expertise and resource of the ‘quiet majority’.

• Core Strategy - Must move forward with this and quickly; will set baseline levels for neighbourhood plans; get involved

Parallel tracking

12 – 15 months

In Torbay

LDP B T P

Spatial Strategy

Spaceless

SmartStrategic

using existing buildings where possible (e.g. NHB & vacant

properties)

edge of towns, sustainable green field,

benefits, £s for infrastructure

PDL and urban sites; smart business space; family housing; town centres

Constrained, balanced growth• Mainly urban areas• Some greenfield, with

community support• Parallel tracking = £s for

regeneration and infrastructure

• 10,000 new homes (9,300 to consume own smoke)

• 15,000 jobs• Split roughly as follows to

reflect ‘capacity’ and needs• Torquay: 4K houses; 5K +

jobs• Paignton: 5K houses; 4K +

jobs• Brixham: 1K houses: 1K +

jobs

Not just homes……..

What are Neighbourhood Plans• Those that know about and care for an area also plan for it –

communities determining their own futures• led by the community - Neighbourhood Forums (residential,

business, interest); • Building neighbourhoods – not stopping growth; should deliver

growth in excess of levels in the Core Strategy. • Part of statutory Development Plan• Need to be examined and approved by a local referendum

(although this may change in emerging Regulations).• Local Development Orders- can extend local permitted

development rights.• Community Right To Build- communities can develop land• ‘Chapters’ for smaller communities / areas, setting out needs etc..

COMMUNITY

KEY STAKEHOLDERSLAND OWNERS & DEVELOPERS

LOCAL AUTHORITY AS MAIN RESOURCE /FACILITATOR / ADVISOR

Who?

NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM AT HEART

– LEADING ON ENGAGEMENT

How?Getting started

Forum set up; business plan; inclusive; skills audit; roles; sustainability appraisal; history.

Developing a Vision and ObjectivesReview Core Strategy visions for towns; profiling community; appraisal of place; priorities; the art of the possible; engagement

Developing a PlanDetailed assessment of potential / benefits/ impacts; Neighbourhood Development Orders; Right to Build Orders; 5 – 10 year delivery plan

Testing the PlanTorbay Council approval; referendum; independent examination

Who is doing what?• Established Forum in each NP area; properly constituted

etc• Brixham Peninsula: Chair - Jackie Stockman; Brixham

Design Statement; CGB catching up.• Paignton: Chair – David Watts; SWOT; 3 sub-groups:

Town Centre & Seafront; Rest of Plan area; Community Engagement

• Torquay: Chair – Suzie Colley; sub-groups include youth, town centre regeneration; sustainable communities; tourism.

• Princes Foundation support