Simpler approach to neighbourhood planning pilot

Following a successful joint bid for government grant funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have been invited to take part in a national pilot for a new, simpler approach to neighbourhood planning.

Neighbourhood planning is a process where a community, usually led by a town or parish council, can develop planning policies to influence development in their local area. While many communities have already benefitted from developing their own Neighbourhood Plans, we understand some smaller community groups can be hesitant about the amount of time, effort, and resources that it could take to complete a Neighbourhood Plan.

All communities should have an opportunity to shape and influence the future of development within their local areas. This is why we invited community groups across the districts to apply to take part in the simpler approach to neighbourhood planning pilot.

Following an application period that closed on 1 April 2022, the district councils are working with Great Haseley, Moulsford and Stoke Row Parish Councils from South Oxfordshire and West Challow, Kennington, Fyfield and Tubney Parish Councils from Vale of White Horse as part of the pilot.