Protection increased for neighbourhood plans

Map of England`s neighbourhood plans by http://www.ourneighbourhoodplanning.org.uk/

Map of England`s neighbourhood plans by http://www.ourneighbourhoodplanning.org.uk/

The government acted this month to strengthen neighbourhood plans in areas where the local authority does not have a five-year housing land supply. Neighbourhood plans will no longer be deemed out-of-date unless there is a significant lack of land supply in the wider local authority area.

This move was spelled out in a written ministerial statement and reinforced by Planning Minister Gavin Barwell during the report stage and third reading of the Neighbourhood Planning Bill in the Commons.

The...