Neighbourhood planning

Neighbourhood planning gives local communities a say in how development happens in their area. We have a duty to support communities in preparing a neighbourhood plan.

Neighbourhood plans were introduced by the Localism Act 2011, which allows local communities to prepare a plan for their area.

A neighbourhood plan enables communities to establish general planning policies for their areas. This can help determine development, such as where new homes should be built.

Following referendums, we formally decided to adopt the following neighbourhood plans:

• Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan (July 2024)
• New Milton Neighbourhood Plan (June 2021) 
• Hythe and Dibden Neighbourhood Plan (December 2019)

Find details of the current neighbourhood plans in progress

Neighbourhood plan process

Neighbourhood plans are undertaken by town or parish councils, if they choose to prepare one. 

In order to start the preparation of a neighbourhood plan, a town or parish council must apply to us for the designation of a neighbourhood area.  We will publicise the application, and the public will be invited to comment on the area covered by the proposed designation.

Throughout the plan preparation process, we can support communities by giving advice and assistance to the town or parish council in the preparation of the neighbourhood plan.

We will also arrange the independent examination of the neighbourhood plan as well as the referendum which gives the community a final say on whether the neighbourhood plan comes into force.

For details of the assistance we can offer, download our Neighbourhood Planning Support Protocol below.

Neighbourhood planning support protocol (PDF, 330 KB)(opens new window)

Further information

Contact the Policy and Plans team if you have any questions about neighbourhood planning.

Email: policyandplans@nfdc.gov.uk

Phone: 023 8028 5345

Guidance on the neighbourhood planning system, including key stages and considerations required, can be found on the GOV.UK website.

General advice and case studies can be found on the Planning Advisory Service website.

Advice about grant funding and project management can be found on the Neighbourhood Planning website.