Neighbourhood Plans – What Are They and Could Our Community Create One?
Over recent months, a number of residents have asked whether Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre should consider developing a Neighbourhood Plan.
A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led planning document which allows local residents to help shape how their area develops in the future. Once formally adopted, it becomes part of the statutory development plan and is used by Chelmsford City Council when determining planning applications.
Importantly, a Neighbourhood Plan is not something that can simply be written by the Parish Council alone. The process must be genuinely community-led, with strong involvement from residents, businesses, landowners and local groups throughout the process.
What Can a Neighbourhood Plan Do?
A Neighbourhood Plan can:
• influence where future development should or should not take place;
• identify and protect important green spaces;
• set local design expectations for new development;
• protect village character and heritage features;
• support improvements to community facilities;
• identify traffic, parking and infrastructure priorities; and
• help shape the long-term vision for the parish.
However, it is important to understand that a Neighbourhood Plan cannot simply prevent all development. Any plan must still broadly align with national planning policy and Chelmsford City Council’s Local Plan.
Why Community Involvement Matters
For a Neighbourhood Plan to carry weight, it must reflect the views of the wider community and not simply those of the Parish Council or a small group of residents.
The process usually involves:
• the creation of a community steering group;
• public meetings and workshops;
• resident surveys and consultations;
• evidence gathering and research;
• drafting planning policies;
• independent examination; and
• ultimately a local referendum where residents vote on whether the Plan should be adopted.
If more than 50% of those voting support the Plan, Chelmsford City Council can formally “make” (adopt) the Plan, after which it becomes part of the statutory planning framework for the area.
Examples from Nearby Communities
A good local example is the recently adopted Danbury Neighbourhood Plan, which was developed over several years through extensive consultation with residents and community groups.
The Danbury Plan includes policies relating to:
• village character;
• design standards;
• open spaces and the environment;
• housing;
• heritage; and
• infrastructure.
The Plan was supported by residents in a local referendum and was formally adopted by Chelmsford City Council in December 2024. Once adopted, it became part of the statutory development plan used in determining planning applications within Danbury.
Danbury’s process demonstrates both the opportunities and the commitment involved in producing a Neighbourhood Plan. Their Plan was prepared through a community steering group working on behalf of Danbury Parish Council and involved several years of consultation, evidence gathering and drafting.
Would Residents Like to Explore This Further?
At present, Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre does not have a Neighbourhood Plan.
The Parish Council would be happy to support residents who may wish to explore the possibility of creating one. However, for the process to be successful, it would require a committed group of community volunteers willing to lead and participate in what can be a lengthy but important process.
Residents who may be interested in becoming involved in a potential Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group are invited to contact the Parish Clerk.