Westmorland and Furness Council has designated the Sockbridge and Tirril parish as a Neighbourhood Area.
This means that Sockbridge and Tirril Parish Council now has the right to prepare its own neighbourhood plan or neighbourhood development orders.
Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape, guide and deliver sustainable development and future growth within their area. A neighbourhood plan ultimately forms part of the Development Plan – policies which local authorities use to determine planning applications.
It gives residents, businesses and other stakeholders the power to create a shared vision and objectives for their neighbourhood, providing them with the opportunity to influence decisions about land use, such as housing, infrastructure and local green spaces.
Preparing a neighbourhood plan is entirely voluntary and is initiated by the local community. These plans can establish policies for land use and development, but they must align with the broader strategic policies for the area. Neighbourhood plans cannot undermine these overarching policies or promote less development than what is outlined in the Local Plan.
Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet member, Councillor Peter Thornton, said: "Neighbourhood plans and neighbourhood development orders are excellent tools for communities to take control of elements of development in their area. Residents know their communities better than anyone and can use these tools to be clear about how their place develops sustainably – and for those views to be in our Development Plan.
"I am pleased that Sockbridge and Tirril Parish Council can now start on this journey and encourage other parish and town councils to consider whether a Neighbourhood Area designation is something they would like to pursue."
Sockbridge and Tirril Parish Council applied to be considered to become a Neighbourhood Area on 23 December 2024 and a six-week consultation period on the request took place between 6 March and 17 April this year. Following the consultation, Westmorland and Furness Council is satisfied that the area is appropriate for designation and the parish council has the right to prepare its own neighbourhood plan or neighbourhood development orders.
Westmorland Furness Council has recently published a Neighbourhood Planning Guide aimed at helping communities decide whether to get involved in neighbourhood planning and to help them prepare a neighbourhood plan.
Click here to access the Neighbouring Planning Guide.