A presentation given at a Planning Advisory Service event on Neighbourhood Planning.

1. Neighbourhood
planning
Donna Moles – Neighbourhood Development Plan Officer
4th
February 2015
The Arun Approach

2. National Arun
Status
1200+ applications 17
160+ draft plans 14
Results
passed examination 14
44 passed referendum 14
adopted 10

3. ADC Neighbourhood Area Designation Status
17 designated

4. Arun at a glance
‘Made’ NDPs
1. Arundel
2. Felpham
3. Ferring
4. Barnham and Eastergate
5. Bersted
6. Littlehampton
7. Yapton
‘Made’ CRTBOs
1. Ferring CRTBO 1
2. Ferring CRTBO 2
3. Ferring CRTBO 3
Successful referendums to be
‘made’ on 11th
March 2015:
1.Angmering
2.East Preston
3.Rustington
4.Kingston
At pre-submission stage:
•Pagham
•Aldingbourne
•Bognor Regis
•Climping
Early community engagement:
•Ford
•Walberton

5. Development Plan of Arun District Council
The statutory Development Plan for the district which will be used to help guide
planning decisions in Arun District Council consists of:
•The adopted Arun District Local Plan, 2003 (saved policies edition)
•The adopted West Sussex Minerals Local Plan, July 2003 (saved policies edition)
•The West Sussex Waste Local Plan Revised Deposit Draft, (July 2004)
•‘Made’ Neighbourhood Development Plans
•‘Made’ Neighbourhood Development Orders
•‘Made’ Community Right to Build Orders
They have equal weighting unless material considerations dictate otherwise.
* The Arun District Local Plan 2011-2031 was submitted for examination on 29th
January 2015.

6. Arun District Council’s role …
• Agreeing the neighbourhood group/forum and designating the area.
• Providing advice, guidance and support throughout the process.
• Publicising at prescribed statutory points.
• Pre-examination check (it is advisable to also do an independent pre-
examination check).
• Organise examination and referendum.
• Make the plan/order if successful.

7. Arun District Council can not …
• write plans or collect evidence for the group
(use the LPA evidence base as a starter)
• carry out consultation or analyse responses for the group
• understand the complexities of your communities as well as the group
• tell them what to do or make decisions for them
• always provide an answer immediately

8. Lessons learnt / advice
1. Start to engage with the group and introduce them to the basics of Neighbourhood Plans and Orders at the very start,
group workshops are an efficient way to do this. It is important to discuss all planning tools so that the right one is chosen
for their objective.
2. Help them to produce a matrix of possible topics and issues which they wish to address in the NP. They will ultimately
need a vision and objectives and hopefully their initial questionnaire results or parish plan may inform these.
3. Attend key meetings of steering groups and guide with structure of the working groups which will be sub sections of the
steering group. Advise on developing a time plan, reviewing skills of volunteers and resources (assessing areas where
help may be required).
4. No groups are the same so a flexible, responsive, needs-led support is most appropriate but working terms between
district and parish need to be established from the onset so expectations can be managed.
5. Training and events should be designed in response to the expressed needs of the groups but again try to do this in
groups. Identify typical issues neighbourhood planning is being used to address and ensure the LPA is clear on its views.
6. Identify Council cycles and the avenues for making decisions at various stages, also the correct delegation to make
decisions to ensure an efficient programme for the groups and yourself.
7. Ensure due process is followed at every stage and create templates where possible.

9. Issues raised - Examinations
1. Advise that the group does an independent examination check especially where housing allocations are given.
2. Where housing allocations are being delivered through NDPs, an objective assessment of development needs for housing
and employment land should be undertaken.
3. The plan needs to provide a clear audit trail which records the basis for decisions on options. Try to get them to
understand this very early on.
4. Prior to applying to NPIERS for an examiner, have a timetable in place so you know what period you require the examiner
for. Include as much information as possible on the application form.
5. Draw up a contract with your legal team for the examiner and the authority and check what internal procedures you have
for agreeing and paying fees. Be aware that the parish/town council will also have timescales of committees for approval
as well.
6. Explain to the group, the examination process in detail including the remit of the examiner and what happens after the
examiner’s report is received.

10. Issues raised – Referendum
1. Start to engage with Democratic Services / Electoral Team and Legal Team from very early to get lead times.
2. Anticipate work programme timetables leading to referendums so that you can provide possible referendum dates in
advance of being asked at the last minute. Use work programme to keep on track with pre-planning and throughout the
timetable.
3. Agree with your Democratic Services on issuing and publicising information regarding referendums as well as preparing
information statements etc.
4. Agree the wording of the question for the ballot paper and all notices to ensure this includes reference to any joint LPA
even though you are the lead authority. Get lead authority agreements in place from the onset.
5. There is need for clearer guidance to be provided to campaign organisers that they cannot supply information to be
circulated from the polling station, nor arrange photoshoots in the vicinity of the polling station.
6. There is need to develop guidance to be provided to parish councils and campaign groups on the “do’s and don’ts”
7. There is need for clearer guidance, other than DLCG information, for campaign organisers and the Paris/Town Council/
Steering Group to understand their role in providing information to electors. (Could the Neighbourhood Plan and Information
Statement be made available in the polling station perhaps?)

11. ‘Made’ plans
1. What is your Council’s process for making the plan?
2. What happens next?
3. Development Control use
4. Monitoring and review

12. Pertinent questions?
• Will the policy vehicles used under this banner and that of Localism improve planning
outcomes?
• Will it produce better development?
• Reduce delay or prevent needed development?
• Will it at least see in a more collaborative planning that raises awareness and
understanding of the issues, challenges and dilemmas routinely face by professional
planners?
Neighbourhood planning: precursors,lessons and prospects by Professor Gavin Parker

13. Thank you for listening.
QUESTIONS / DISCUSSION