Decision

The Cabinet Member raised a question about how existing and emerging Neighbourhood Plans would align with the new Local Plan, which was expected to be submitted in December and, subject to the process, adopted by 2028.

The officer advised that Neighbourhood Plans were generally compatible with the emerging Local Plan, as they tended to focus on locally specific matters such as heritage assets and green spaces rather than strategic housing allocations. It was also confirmed that, following adoption, the Chipping Campden Neighbourhood Plan could be reviewed or modified at any time if changes to the Local Plan made this necessary.

The Cabinet Member queried whether there was a specific timescale for reviewing a Neighbourhood plan and whether the review process would be less stringent than the process to develop a new plan.

The officer advised that Neighbourhood Plans should generally be reviewed every five years, particularly in relation to housing matters, as their weight could reduce after that period. Policies relating to local green spaces and heritage assets could continue to carry weight. The officer explained that the process for reviewing a plan would depend on the extent of the proposed changes: minor modifications might not require a referendum, with the examiner determining whether changes were minor or major. Although having an existing plan could make the initial preparation stage quicker, other procedural requirements might still apply.