Neighbourhood Planning
The Localism Act 2011 introduced new rights to help communities shape development in their area. Parish or neighbourhood forums (in non-parished areas) can prepare neighbourhood plans. These set out general planning policies for the local area. The plans must be in line with national policy and help meet the strategic needs of the wider local area. Further information and guidance is available within the North Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Planning Toolkit produced by the Joint Planning Unit and partners and also from DCLG.
In March 2015 the former Corby Borough Council agreed a report on 'Neighbourhood Planning Arrangements', which outlines the key stages in the neighbourhood planning process and establishes clear arrangements for meeting neighbourhood planning obligations. The agreed protocol is available to view here.
Gretton Neighbourhood Plan
Gretton Parish Council submitted an application for the designation of the whole of the Gretton Parish as a Neighbourhood Area for the purposes of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan. The Parish Council's application was supported by the following:
- A map which identifies the area to be covered by the Neighbourhood Plan; and
- An application letter explaining why the area is appropriate and confirming that Gretton Parish Council are a "relevant body"
In accordance with Regulation 6 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), the former Corby Borough Council carried out a formal six week consultation on the above proposals from 16th September 2016 to 28th October 2016.
Consultation responses to the neighbourhood planning application:
- 19th September 2016, Stewart Patience, Anglian Water
- 27th September 2016, Richard Sykes, Natural England
- 7th October 2016, Jawid Iqbal, Highways England
- 11th October 2016, Clive Fletcher, Historic England
- 18th October 2016, Sharon Nolan, Environment Agency
- 26th October 2016, John Fleming, Gladman Developments Ltd.
- 22nd November 2016 (late response), Robert Deanwood, on behalf of Nationalgrid
The application was approved on 2nd November 2016. The Decision Notice includes a map of the designated Neighbourhood Area.
Submission Gretton Neighbourhood Plan
Gretton Parish Council as the ‘qualifying body’ has prepared a Neighbourhood Development Plan with the help of the community. The former Corby Borough Council was satisfied that the submitted Gretton Neighbourhood Plan complied with the relevant legal requirements and could therefore proceed to formal consultation and examination. In accordance with Regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations, the plan was subject to public consultation between Friday 17 July and 5pm on Friday 11 September 2020.
The Submission Draft Plan and all supporting documentation can be viewed below:
Gretton Neighbourhood Development Plan – Submission Version
Housing Needs Report, October 2017
Housing Needs Survey, December 2017
Gretton Parish Census 2011 Profile
Land Registry’s Price Paid Data, 2017
Sustainable Site Assessment Framework, July 2019
Corby Road Report, 21 February 2018
Corby Road Report, 7 March 2018
SEA Screening Opinion, December 2019
The deadline for making representations on the Plan proposals was 5pm on Friday 11 September 2020.
Representations may include a request to be notified of the Local Planning Authorities decision to “make” the Plan under Regulation 19 (bringing it into legal force).
Anonymous comments could not be accepted, and comments submitted after the publication period could not be accepted.
It is the responsibility of the Council to collate all the representations made and pass these on to the independent examiner, who will examine the plan documents and assess whether the plan is in accordance with legislation and can therefore proceed to a referendum.
All comments are made publicly available, and identifiable by name and organisation (where applicable). Please note that personal information is processed in line with the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.
The following comments were received in respect of the Regulation 16 Consultation:
- East Northamptonshire Council
- Highways England
- Environment Agency
- Forestry Commission
- Gladman
- Historic England
- Jas Martin and Co
- Lucas Land and Planning
- National Grid
- Natural England
- Northamptonshire County Council Archeology
- Northamptonshire County Council Development Management
- Local Resident
Independent Examination and Referendum
Following the consultation, an independent examiner was appointed by the former Corby Borough Council, with consent of the Parish Council, to carry out the examination of the Neighbourhood Plan.
The examiner issued his report, and recommended a number of modifications which were necessary to ensure that the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan met the legislative requirements.
The former Corby Borough Council accepted the examiner's recommendations in full and subject to the modifications being made, the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan proceeded to referendum.
The decision notice to proceed to referendum was issued in acordance with COVID guidance, which states that the earliest a referendum can be held is 6 May 2021. View the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan Decision Notice here.
Gretton Parish Council has set up a Neighbourhood Plan page on the Parish Council's website which provides further information and updates on progress in preparing the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan.
Covid-19 Guidance
Due to the Covid19 pandemic the Government issued a new paragraph 107 to the Planning Practice Guidance for Neighbourhood Planning which states that “All neighbourhood planning referendums that have been recently cancelled, or are scheduled to take place, between 16 March 2020 and 5 May 2021 are postponed in line with the Local Government and Police and Crime Commissioner (Coronavirus) (Postponement of Elections and Referendums) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 until 6 May 2021”. The Council therefore arranged the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan referendum to take place on 6th May 2021.
Until the referendum was held, in relation to Neighbourhood Plan decision making, Paragraph 107 of the Planning Practice Guidance goes on to state that “Where the local planning authority has issued a decision statement (as set out under Regulation 18 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012) detailing its intention to send a neighbourhood plan to referendum, that plan can be given significant weight in decision-making, so far as the plan is material to the application.” As the decision notice had been published by the Council in accordance with Regulation 18 (2) of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan had weight in the decision making process pending the holding of the referendum. The modified (pre-referendum) version of the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan was the same as the referendum version Neighbourhood Plan which is available below:
Referendum
A referendum relating to the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan was held on Thursday, 6 May 2021.
The question asked was:
"Do you want North Northamptonshire Council to use the Neighbourhood Development Plan for Gretton to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?"
The Notice of Referendum for the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan can be found here.
The Statement of Compliance for the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan can be found here.
The Gretton Neighbourhood Plan Referendum Information Statement can be found here.
The Gretton Neighbourhood Plan recieved a majority 'Yes' vote in favour of the question. The official declaration of results can be viewed below:
Current Stage
Gretton Neighbourhood Plan "Made"
The Gretton Neighbourhood Plan 2019-2031 was formally adopted (‘made’) by North Northamptonshire Council's Executive Committee on 22 June 2021 (Item 11). It now forms a part of the development plan for the area (Parish of Gretton) and from hereon will be used to assist in the determination of planning applications.
'Making' of the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan is confirmed by notice, under Regulations 19-20 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, as amended:
The Gretton Neighbourhood Plan is available below:
Gretton Neighbourhood Plan 2019-2031 (December 2020)
Appendix I. Basic Conditions Statement
Appendix II. Statement of Consultation
Appendix IIIa. Housing Needs Report
Appendix IIIb. Housing Needs Survey
Appendix V. Site Sustainability Assessments
Appendix VI. Gretton Housing Design - A reference document of community aspirations and suggestions
Appendix VII. Environmental Inventory
Appendix VIII. Local Heritage Assets
Appendix X. Statutory Designations, Historic Environment
Appendix XIa. Corby Road Report, 21 February 2018
Appendix XIb. Corby Road Report, 7 March 2018
Hard copies of the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan and the Decision Statement confirming the Neighbourhood Plan has been "made" may be viewed at the Corby Library (The Cube, George Street, Corby NN17 1QG). Please see www.northamptonshire.gov.uk for the latest opening times.
Gretton Neighbourhood Plan Policies Map
The Policies Map for the Made Gretton Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed on the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan Interactive Policies Map.
Please note, all the layers on the interactive map have been drawn to reflect the figures included in the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan. When viewing the interactive map, please be mindful that the layers have been drawn at a certain scale which is captured in the Neighbourhood Plan document. In particular, the wildlife corridors have been drawn to reflect Figure 12 of the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan. The Interactive map shows an indicative reflection of the wildlife corridors, but it is advised that figure 12 provides the most accurate resource for this layer, drawn at the correct scale.
Using the interactive map:
The map can be viewed on various devices. Once the webpage loads, you will be given the option to select the mobile friendly version if you are using a small screen or smartphone.
• Select the information you wish to view by using the tick boxes in the ‘Layer List’ menu.
• Once you have selected the layers you wish to view, you can click on the site or allocation to find out more information for example, the name or policy reference.
• To search for an address, enter the address into the search bar ‘Find address or place’ and press the magnifying glass.
• To zoom in and out of the map, you can use the plus or minus arrows. To go back to the default scale, you can click on the home icon.
Please contact Planning Services on 01536 464158 or 01536 464167 if you have any questions.
Weldon Neighbourhood Plan
A Neighbourhood Plan covering Weldon Parish has been designated and the Parish Council is now working on preparing a plan.
Background
Weldon Parish Council submitted an application for the designation of the whole of the Weldon Parish as a Neighbourhood Area for the purposes of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan. The Parish Council's application was supported by the following:
- A map which identifies the area to be covered by the Neighbourhood Plan; and
- An application letter explaining why the area is appropriate and confirming that Weldon Parish Council are a "relevant body"
In accordance with Regulation 6 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), the former Corby Borough Council carried out a formal six week consultation on the above proposals from 13th January 2017 to 24th February 2017.
Consultation responses to the neighbourhood planning application:
- 12th January 2017, Resident, Loddington
- 12th January 2017, Dr Bill Temple-Pediani, KTI Energy
- 16th January 2017, Stewart Patience, Anglian Water
- 16th January 2017, Sonia Bowen, Corby Borough Council
- 16th January 2017, Jacqui Salt, Natural England
- 24th January 2017, Clive Fletcher, Historic England
- 10th February 2017, Jawid Iqbal, Highways England
- 16th February 2017, Sharon Nolan, Environment Agency
- 17th February 2017, Robert Deanwood, on behalf of Nationalgrid
- 22nd February 2017, Aimee Longley, Orbit Homes
- 24th February 2017, Megan Pashley, Gladman Developments Ltd.
The application was approved on 27th February 2017. The Decision Notice includes a map of the designated Neighbourhood Area.
Stanion Neighbourhood Plan
A Neighbourhood Plan covering Stanion Parish has been designated and the Parish Council is now working on preparing a plan.
Background
Stanion Parish Council submitted an application for the designation of the whole of the Stanion Parish as a Neighbourhood Area for the purposes of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan. The Parish Councils application was supported by the following:
- A map which identifies the area to be covered by the Neighbourhood Plan; and
- An application letter explaining why the area is appropriate and confirming that Stanion Parish Council are a "relevant body"
In accordance with Regulation 6 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), the former Corby Borough Council carried out a formal six week consultation on the above proposals from 10th June 2016 to 22nd July 2016.
Consultation responses to the neighbourhood planning application:
- 7th June 2016, Steven Turvey, Highways England
- 13th June 2016, David Allcock, Natural England
- 13th June 2016, Stewart Patience, Anglian Water
- 14th June 2016, Alan Smith, The Wildlife Trust and supporting advice
- 29th June 2016, Anita Curtis, Geddington, Netwon and Little Oakley Parish Council
- 11th July 2016 Robert Deanwood, Amec Foster Wheeler on behalf of National Grid
- 21st July 2016, Robert Waite, Gateley Plc on behalf of JME Civils Limited
- 25th July 2016, Clive Fletcher, Historic England
New Boundary for Stanion Neighbourhood Area - in August 2018, Stanion Parish Council submitted an application for a new neighbourhood area covering the Parish boundaries. The application was approved on 27th September 2018. The decision notice, including the designated Neighbourhood Area can be viewed below:
Application Letter dated 9th August 2018, Stanion Parish Council
Application Boundary submission
Decision Notice for new boundary - September 2018
Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan
A Neighbourhood Plan covering Cottingham Parish was designated on 4th June 2015 and the Parish Council led the work in preparing the Plan. The Cottingham Neighbourhood Development Plan was "made" on 14 April 2022.
Current Stage
Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan "Made"
The Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan 2021-2031 was formally adopted (‘made’) by North Northamptonshire Council's Executive Committee on 14 April 2022. It now forms a part of the development plan for the area (Parish of Cottingham) and from hereon will be used to assist in the determination of planning applications.
'Making' of the Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan is confirmed by notice, under Regulations 19-20 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, as amended:
The Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan is available below:
Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan 2021-2031 (April 2022)
Hard copies of the Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan and the Decision Statement confirming the Neighbourhood Plan has been "made" may be viewed at the Corby Library (The Cube, George Street, Corby NN17 1QG). Please see www.northamptonshire.gov.uk for the latest opening times.
Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan Policies Map
The Policies Map for the Made Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed on the Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan Interactive Policies Map.
Using the interactive map:
The map can be viewed on various devices. Once the webpage loads, you will be given the option to select the mobile friendly version if you are using a small screen or smartphone.
• Select the information you wish to view by using the tick boxes in the ‘Layer List’ menu.
• Once you have selected the layers you wish to view, you can click on the site or allocation to find out more information for example, the name or policy reference.
• To search for an address, enter the address into the search bar ‘Find address or place’ and press the magnifying glass.
• To zoom in and out of the map, you can use the plus or minus arrows. To go back to the default scale, you can click on the home icon.
Please contact Planning Services on 01536 464158 or 01536 464167 if you have any questions.
Previous Stages: Post-referendum
A referendum relating to the Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan was held on Thursday, 17 February 2022.
Those eligible to vote within the Cottingham Parish were asked the question:
"Do you want North Northamptonshire Council to use the Neighbourhood Development Plan for Cottingham to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?"
The Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan received a majority 'Yes' vote in favour of the question. The official declaration of results can be viewed here.
North Northamptonshire's Executive Committee considered the results of the Referendum at its meeting on 14 April 2022. The Committee agreed the Cottingham Neighbourhood Development Plan should be "made" on this date and become part of the Development Plan for relevant planning applications within Cottingham Parish.
Referendum
The Notice of Referendum for the Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan held on Thursday, 17 February 2022 can be found here.
The Cottingham Neighbourhood Development Plan which was put to a public referendum is available to view here.
The Information Statement for the Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan can be found here.
General Information on the planning system and the referendum can be found here.
The Referendum was held on the basis that if more than half of those voting in the Referendum vote in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan then the local planning authority will adopt or "make" the neighbourhood plan.
Examination
The independent examination of the Cottingham Neighbourhood Development Plan formally commenced on 20th October 2021.
The Inspector wrote to North Northamptonshire Council to clarify how the examination will be conducted.
North Northamptonshire Council received fifteen responses to the Submission Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan under the Regulation 16 consultation which took place between 27th August and 8 October 2021. These are examination documents:
Archaeological Advisor – North Northamptonshire Council
Avison Young on behalf of National Grid
Education, libraries, Broadband, Fire & Rescue – North Northamptonshire Council
Insight Town Planning on behalf of Langton Homes
Insight Town Planning on behalf of Langton Homes - Appendix 1
Insight Town Planning on behalf of Langton Homes - Appendix 2
JT Planning on behalf of landowner
JT Planning on behalf of landowner - supporting map
Planning Policy – North Northamptonshire Council
Following close of consultation, Cottingham Parish Council was given the opportunity to comment on the Regulation 16 representations of all other parties, which was taken up. Their responses are available below:
Response to the Regulation 16 Consultation
Detailed comments in regard to Berrys' representation on behalf of landowner
Detailed comments in regard to Insight Town Planning's representation on behalf of Langton Homes
On the 11 November 2021 the Inspector wrote to North Northamptonshire Council seeking clarification on a number of matters.
Cottingham Parish Council and North Northamptonshire Council jointly responded to the Inspector on 19 November 2021.
The Inspector issued his Report of Independant Examination on 25th November 2021. The report recommended that subject to specified modifications the Neighbourhood Plan meets the Basic Conditions and other requirements. It further recommended the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to a local referendum based on the plan area.
Having considered each of the recommendations made by the Inspector’s Report and the reasons for them, in consultation with the Parish Council, North Northamptonshire Council has decided to accept the modifications to the draft plan and has published its Decision Statement. North Northamptonshire Council are satisfied that the Neighbourhood Plan as modified complies with legal requirements and can proceed to referendum. In line with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 it is therefore proposed to hold a referendum to determine whether the Plan should be incorporated into the development plan for North Northamptonshire on Thursday 17th February 2022.
As part of the process of developing the Cottingham Neighbourhood Development Plan the Parish Council has published a Basic Conditions Statement and a Consultation Statement.
Submission (Regulation 16) Consultation
Cottingham Parish Council as the ‘qualifying body’ has prepared a Neighbourhood Development Plan with the help of the community. North Northamptonshire Council is satisfied that the submitted Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan complies with the relevant legal requirements and can therefore proceed to formal consultation and examination. In accordance with Regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations, the plan was subject to public consultation between Friday 27 August and 5pm on Friday 8 October 2021.
The Submission Draft Plan and all supporting documentation can be viewed below:
Cottingham Neighbourhood Development Plan 2020-2031 – Submission Version
Cottingham Neighbourhood Development Plan 2020-2031 – Submission Version Executive Summary
Appendix 1 Basic Conditions Statement
Appendix 2 Consultation Statement
Appendix 3a/3b Cottingham Census Profile
Appendix 4 Housing Design Guide
Appendix 5 Affordable Housing Assessment
Appendix 6 Housing Needs Report
Appendix 7 Site Sustainability Assessments
Appendix 8 Environmental Inventory
Appendix 10 Buildings and Structures
Appendix 13 Larger Map Section
Supporting Documents:
SEA and HRA Screening Opinion, September 2020
It was the responsibility of North Northamptonshire Council to collate all the representations made and pass these on to the independent examiner, who will examine the plan documents and assess whether the plan is in accordance with legalisation and can therefore proceed to a referendum.
All comments will be publicly available, and identifiable by name and organisation (where applicable). Please note that personal information will be processed in line with the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Pre-Submission (Regulation 14) Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan
Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan (Pre-submission)
Appendix 3a and 3b Cottingham Census Profile
Appendix 4 Housing Design Guide
Appendix 5 Cottingham Affordable Housing Assessment
Appendix 6 Cottingham Housing Needs Report
Appendix 7 Site Sustainability Assessments
Appendix 8 Environmental Inventory
Appendix 10 Buildings and Structures
Designation of Neighbourhood Area
Cottingham Parish Council submitted an application for the designation of the whole of the Cottingham Parish as a Neighbourhood Area for the purposes of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan. The Parish Council's application was supported by the following:
- A map which identifies the area to be covered by the Neighbourhood Plan; and
- An application letter explaining why the area is appropriate and confirming that Cottingham Parish Council are a “relevant body”.
In accordance with Regulation 6 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), the former Corby Borough Council carried out a formal six week consultation on the above proposals from 10th April 2015 to 22nd May 2015.
Consultation responses to the neighbourhood planning application:
- 21st April 2015, Gavin Ferries
- 27th April 2015, Annmarie Williams, Natural England
- 27th April 2015, Clive Fletcher, Historic England
- 8th May 2015, Sharon Nolan, Environment Agency
- 22nd May 2015, Neville Surtees, Barton Wilmore
The application was approved on 4th June 2015. The decision notice, including the designated Neighbourhood Area can be viewed below
Central Corby Neighbourhood Plan
A Neighbourhood Plan covering Central Corby has been designated and Centara Neighbourhood Forum is now working on preparing a plan
Background
Centara Neighbourhood Association applied to be formally designated as a Neighbourhood Forum and set the boundary of the Neighbourhood Area. The application was supported by the following information:
- An application letter for Centara's designation as a Neighbourhood Forum;
- List of 21 members that form the Neighbourhood Forum;
- Constitution for Centara Neighbourhood Forum;
- A map identifying the area to be covered by the Neighbourhood Plan;
- An application letter explaining why the area is appropriate
In accordance with Regulation 6 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), the former Corby Borough Council carried out a formal six week consultation on the above proposals from 10th April 2015 to 22nd May 2015.
Consultation responses to the neighbourhood planning applications:
- 27th April 2015, Annmarie Williams, Natural England
- 27th April 2015, Clive Fletcher, Historic England
- 8th May 2015, Sharon Nolan, Environment Agency
The applications were approved on 4th June 2015. The decision notice, including the designated Neighbourhood Area can be viewed below