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What is the process for Parish Plan production?

Douglas Avenue, Exmouth

Every Parish Plan is produced differently but the following text very briefly illustrates a typical process:

Public meeting held to introduce Parish Plan concept
(often this will be organised by the Parish Council)

Interested persons form Parish Plan Group
(often local residents/representatives of Parish Council/Local organisations)

The Parish Plan Group could use the following information as the basis of the Parish Plan:
- audit of existing information (village appraisals; village design statement; housing needs survey; or other questionnaires e.g. rural services survey)
-data from above may be used in Parish Plan if collected within last 5 years
- where are the gaps in info? new surveys needed to fill these, or check elsewhere (county council? district council? rural community council?)
- other sources of info - e.g. detr indices of deprivation (free publications tel 0870 1226 236) or www.statistics.gov.uk

Survey carried out to establish what aspects of the built/natural environment are particularly valued by the community
This could take the form of a public exhibition, action day where photographs are taken, questionnaire, or a combnation!
More steps to take:-

- contact fieldworker (if any)
- consider training needs of working party (professional guidance is available from County Council? District Council? Community Council of Devon)
- use of experts for research e.g. locals with specialist knowledge (help in kind)
- obtain maps of the area

Draft Parish Plan produced, based on survey results, and sent to Parish Council and District Council to ensure conformity with policy (it is also a good idea to submit a copy of the Plan to the Local Strategic Partnership- a body made up of representatives from many public, private and voluntary organisations)
The parish plan might contain:
- a description of the parish
- information on population; housing; services; jobs; community buildings; transport; open spaces; rights of way; leisure facilities; planning issues
- results of audit / analysis of data and consultations

Further public consultation and any subsequent revisions sent to Parish Council and District Council

Final draft of Parish plan submitted to appropriate District Council Committees for endorsement and use in decision making

Actions are reviewed annually by the Parish Council and the Action Plan is updated

A detailed explanation and guide to each stage of the production process is available from Frank Woolston, Senior Planning Officer on 01395 516551 ext 2282 or email fwoolston@eastdevon.gov.uk

Page last updated on 24 May 2012