Government commissions study into rural neighbourhood planning

The study will document the experiences and challenges experienced by 'front runner' projects in rural areas. PB said in a statement that its role will be to gather evidence to inform case studies that communities will be able to consult in the preparation of their own neighbourhood plans and development orders.

The focus of the case studies may include the leadership of the plan, how to positively engage the community as a whole, how to reconcile rural issues with strategic local plan objectives and how to deliver affordable housing and infrastructure within the rural context. PB said that although the focus of the work would be on rural issues, the findings would be of interest to all those working on neighbourhood plans.

PB said that previous research into the planning, socio economic and environmental issues affecting rural communities has identified common concerns with regard to affordable housing, social and community infrastructure, transport provision and the need to diversify and grow the economic base while also retaining the special character of rural communities.

It said that neighbourhood planning "provides scope to address these issues" by allowing local communities to develop visions, strategies and planning policies specifically for their areas and that this would ensure that "very real weight" is attached to a community’s aspirations.

“We are delighted to be undertaking this important research," said PB masterplanning specialist and project manager, Jon Herbert. "It will give an excellent insight into how local communities are addressing rural challenges and shaping a better future for all, and give a steer to others on how the new planning process can be successfully navigated."

“We aim to identify exactly what role neighbourhood planning can play in delivering the rural

agenda and obtain a practical understanding of how plans work or are likely to work,” Herbert said.