12 steps to developing and bringing a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) into force

Because an NP carries legal weight, there are several stages you must go through when preparing, submitting and bringing your NP into force.

We have presented the process in 12 steps here, to convey the information as simply as we can. In reality, some of the steps may happen at the same time. You may find there are sub-steps too.

Please note that much of the information here applies in particular to Birmingham and the way Birmingham City Council supports communities to create NPs. If you are in another part of England, your council may have different ways of working.

This might all feel daunting, but there is lots of support available along the way. You don’t need to do it all on your own.

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Step 1: Discover

Discover what an NP can and can’t do - and whether it’s the right tool for you

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Step 2: Gather

Bring together at least 21 people to establish a Neighbourhood Planning Forum

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Step 3: Designate

Decide on the boundaries of the Neighbourhead Area that your NP will cover

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Step 4: Evidence

Talk to your community to find out what local people need and want from the NP

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Step 5: Draft

Draft the planning policies that will make up your NP

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Step 6: Consult

Send your NP out for pre-submission consultation with the local community

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Step 7: Refine

Update the planning policies that will make up your NP

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Step 8: Submit

Submit your draft NP to Birmingham City Council

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Step 9: Wait

Pause while your NP goes out for a second community consultation and examination

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Step 10: Finalise

Consider the examiner’s report and agree on a final version of your NP

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Step 11: Vote

Encourage local people to vote in the referendum that will bring your NP into force

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Step 12: Implement

Make sure your NP has maximum impact and is kept up to date

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My advice to Neighbourhood Planning groups who are starting out would be: don't be overwhelmed by the amount of data out there. Speak to people: other people in your community, stakeholders … and try to get some help and direction from them” — Small Heath Neighbourhood Planning group (March 2023)