Wickham Market Neighbourhood Plan
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Our Process

Below are the steps we are following to develop the Wickham Market NP.

Stage 1

Getting Started

  • Residents and the parish council express interest in creating a Neighbourhood Plan (NP)
  • Boundaries for the Plan Area are set - and see if neighbouring parishes should be involved
  • Informally notify SCDC and decide the best way to engage with the community
Stage 2

Getting Organised

  • Clarify how the Parish Council will be involved in the NP process and create a Steering Committee involving volunteers from the community.
  • Build a project structure saying what work will be delivered, when and by whom
  • Decide which community groups will be consulted and about what and how progress on the NP will be reported
Stage 3

Engaging with the Community

  • Hold a community event to describe the NP, discuss the issues arising and confirm that residents are in favour of having one.
  • Invite volunteers to participate in the working groups and / or steering committee.
  • Give SCDC the aims of the plan, the draft NP structure, the Community Engagement Plan and the Project Plan
Stage 4

Gathering Information

  • Review all the information gathered so far Refer to Parish Plans, Local Plans and any other important documents such as Design Statements
  • Set up Working Groups to collect information and report back to the Project Team
  • Hold more community meetings to collect information
Stage 5

Pulling it Together

  • Review all the information gathered so far Refer to Parish Plans, Local Plans and any other important documents such as Design Statements
  • Set up Working Groups to collect information and report back to the Project Team
  • Hold more community meetings to collect information
Stage 6

Drafting the NP

  • Show that the NP reflects existing policies, meets community aspirations, and will ensure that development is sustainable
  • Prepare an action plan to take specific projects forward
  • Draw a map showing where policies apply and where individual projects will be located
Stage 7

Testing & Approval

  • Publicise the draft NP in the community, and consult with those likely to be affected by the NP
  • Send the draft NP to SCDC and await the decision of the independent examiner; amend the NP as necessary
  • Hold a referendum to approve or refuse the NP in the parish
Stage 8

Delivery & Monitoring

  • If the NP is approved by referendum, establish a new Project Team to oversee implementation
  • Set up Task Groups to deliver each project in the NP
  • Monitor implementation of the NP in tandem with the community
  • Fully review the NP within 5 years of approval