How best to ensure a neighbourhood plan conforms with the local plan

### Introduction A **Neighbourhood Plan** is a planning document, prepared by a local community, that sets out policies for the development and use of land in a specific area. A **Local Plan** is a statutory document prepared by the local planning authority (LPA), setting out the strategic planning policies for the entire area. Conformity between the Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan is essential for the Neighbourhood Plan to be 'made' (i.e., adopted) and given legal weight. ### Legal Requirements for Conformity 1. **Alignment with Strategic Policies:** The Neighbourhood Plan must be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the Local Plan. This means that the Neighbourhood Plan should support and not undermine the overall strategic vision and objectives set out in the Local Plan. 2. **Compliance with National Planning Policy:** The Neighbourhood Plan must also align with national planning policies, as articulated in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This includes policies on sustainable development, housing, the environment, and other key planning considerations. ### Steps to Ensure Conformity 1. **Early Engagement:** * **Consultation with the LPA:** From the outset, the neighbourhood planning group should engage with the LPA. This helps to understand the Local Plan's requirements and the LPA's expectations. * **Review of the Local Plan:** A thorough review of the Local Plan is crucial. The neighbourhood planning group should identify the relevant policies and objectives that the Neighbourhood Plan must align with. 2. **Evidence Gathering:** * **Baseline Assessment:** Undertake a comprehensive assessment of the neighbourhood area, gathering evidence on local needs, issues, and opportunities. This assessment should inform the development of planning policies. * **Policy Formulation:** Draft policies that are clearly linked to the evidence base and the Local Plan's objectives. 3. **Policy Drafting:** * **Specificity and Clarity:** Ensure policies are specific and clear. Avoid vague or ambiguous language. * **Testing Against the Local Plan:** Regularly test draft policies against the Local Plan. Identify any potential conflicts and revise policies accordingly. * **Use of Local Plan Policy Templates:** Consider using the LPA's policy templates and standard phrasing to ensure consistency. 4. **Independent Examination:** * **Submission of the Plan:** Submit the Neighbourhood Plan to the LPA, along with supporting evidence and a statement explaining how the plan conforms to the Local Plan. * **Independent Examiner:** The LPA will arrange for an independent examiner to assess the plan's conformity. * **Addressing Examiner's Recommendations:** The neighbourhood planning group must carefully consider and address any recommendations made by the independent examiner to ensure the plan's conformity. ### Conclusion Ensuring conformity between a Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan is a critical process. By following the steps outlined above, neighbourhood planning groups can increase the likelihood of their plans being successfully 'made', thereby giving them legal weight and enabling them to shape the future of their communities.