How are Local Place Plans prepared? [^]
The requirements for a valid Local Place Plan are satisfied if paragraphs 1(4) and 2(1) of Schedule 19 of the Planning Act are complied with.
In preparing the Local Place Plan, the Community Body must have regard to other plans (or emerging plans):
- The Local Development Plan (the Local Place Plan must set out in a statement any reasons for considering that the Local Development Plan should be amended).
- The National Planning Framework.
- The Locality Plan where there is one.
It should also refer to other local, national or regional plans or strategies which may be relevant, such as the National Islands Plan, as well as planning permissions which may have a significant impact on the local area.
Local Place Plans should be short, clear and visual, setting out proposals and priorities. Regulation 3 of the 2021 Regulations requires that Local Place Plans:
- Identify the Community Body that prepared the Local Place Plan.
- Contain a map that shows the land to which the Local Place Plan relates.
- Contains a statement of proposals about the development or use of land within the Local Place Plan area.
In preparing a Local Place Plan, the Community Body should consider:
- How to bring in the voices of all sectors of the community.
- Who the proposals will affect, either directly, or indirectly.
- What methods of engagement are appropriate for the community.
Regulation 4 requires that a copy of a proposed Local Place Plan and an information notice is sent to:
- Each councillor for the Local Place Plan area.
- Any community council any part of whose area is within, or adjoins, the Local Place Plan area.
The information contained in the notice which accompanies the proposed Local Place Plan must include:
- A brief description of the content and purpose of the proposed Local Place Plan.
- Information about how and to whom any representations should be made and the date by which they should be made (at least 28 days must be allowed).
The Community Body may also wish to contact the planning authority to arrange a pre-submission meeting.
The Local Place Plan can then be submitted to the planning authority. This must include a statement about how it has had regard to other plans and policies and how it might align or differ from them, as well as evidence about how it has complied with the requirement for an information notice, including:
- A list of the councillors contacted.
- A list of the community councils contacted.
- A copy of the proposed Local Place Plan.
- A copy of the information notice.
It should also include a statement setting out:
- A view of the level and nature of support for the Local Place Plan.
- The basis on which this view has been reached, including any consultation.
If the Community Body has complied with these legal requirements, then the planning authority must accept the Local Place Plan and register it.