What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

A Neighbourhood Plan gives local communities legal power to influence how land is used and developed in their area. Once adopted, it becomes part of the statutory development plan used by Peterborough City Council when deciding planning applications.

Who is responsible for creating it?

Newborough and Borough Fen Parish Council is the official 'qualifying body' under planning law. The Council has delegated day-to-day responsibility to a Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, which operates under formal Terms of Reference.

This Steering Group is made up of local volunteers and councillors working on behalf of the community to gather evidence, develop policies, and consult residents - ensuring the Plan is both legally sound and locally relevant.

How is the Plan shaped?

The Plan is built using a combination of:

Planning policy (e.g. the National Planning Policy Framework and Peterborough Local Plan),
Technical evidence (e.g. flood risk maps, housing needs data, heritage records),
Local insight - gathered through community surveys, events and written comments.

So far, 127 residents have shared their views in our first survey round. These responses are shaping our emerging ideas and themes.

Neighbourhood Plans must pass independent examination and a community referendum before they are adopted.

Can residents vote on each part of the plan?

Not directly. Decisions on content are made by the Steering Group - with oversight from the Parish Council - following national guidance and professional input.

However, you do get a vote. Everyone on the electoral roll will be able to vote at the Neighbourhood Plan Referendum, which is the final step before the plan becomes official policy.

There are two more key stages for public input:

1. Regulation 14 Consultation - a formal opportunity to comment on the full draft plan before it is submitted.

2. Neighbourhood Plan Referendum - where the whole community decides whether to adopt the final plan.

To find out more about the process and influence of Neighbourhood Plans visit the Locality website here or download the Guide.