Since April 2012, local communities have been able to produce Neighbourhood Plans for their local area, putting in place planning policies for the future development and growth of their towns and villages. Neighbourhood plans relate to the use and development of land and associated social, economic and environmental issues. They may deal with a wide range of issues (like housing, employment, environment and transport) or focus on one or two issues that are of particular importance in the local area. A Neighbourhood Plan will be subject to examination and referendum and then form part of the District Councils Local Development Plan. This statutory status gives Neighbourhood Plans far more weight than previous community led plans. Local communities really do have a new set of powers that will help them shape the places in which they live. Read More for upcoming consultation dates