Neighbourhood Plan for Bishop Monkton
We are looking to embark on the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan. The Parish Council is concerned about the potential impact on our village of overdevelopment – the risks of this are increased by the significant call for new house building being sought by Government. Read on to find out more...
Published: 16 July 2025
Some of you may have seen that several fields on the edge of the village have been put forward in the recent “call for development sites” – whilst this is no real indication of what will happen, it is an indication of the pressure we will come under in the coming years.
A link to the sites put forward is available here: Maptionnaire
We have taken advice from a Planning Consultant (our very own James Hobson!), who strongly advises the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan. This should allow us to “get ahead” of the planning process – our plan will then become part of the statutory development plan, influencing planning decisions.
What is a Neighbourhood Plan? A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led planning document used in England to guide local development. Enabled by the Localism Act 2011, it allows communities to shape their area’s future by setting policies on land use, housing, infrastructure, and amenities. Developed by parish or town councils or neighbourhood forums, it involves consultation with residents and stakeholders. Once approved by a local referendum and adopted by the local authority, it becomes part of the statutory development plan, influencing planning decisions. It must align with the local authority’s broader plan and national policies, focusing on local priorities like design, green spaces, or affordable housing.
What would be Involved? The preparation of a neighbourhood plan is a democratic consultation with the villagers, which would be led by an external specialist and project managed by the Parish Council. For it to work, we would need your support – both time and money! We will look for Villagers to contribute financially (probably by way of a crowdfunding campaign) towards the costs of this exercise.
What do I need to do? Nothing at this stage! This note is just for information. The Parish Council is looking to appoint a Planning Consultant and determine costs – once we know more, we will be in touch. But if you have any ideas or thoughts, please let us know!