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To: The UK Government and especially the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution

Continuing support funding for community-led Neighbourhood Plans

Photo by Haidan on Unsplash
I want the Minister and UK Government that have successfully supported - according to the organisation, 'Locality' - "over 2,400 communities" to embark upon Neighbourhood Plans, not to terminate this funding.

More "than 1,000 plans" up to now have legal force to influence what development happens where within a locality.

Why is this important?

Cancelling Neighbouhood Plan NP and technical support grants (via Locality) is a means to stop communities having the ability to foster community empowerment and self-help.
 
The loss of Neighbourhood Planning (NP) and technical support grants is a fundamental shift that risks shattering the core principles of Localism just as they have begun to bear fruit.
 
Without central support:
 
  • Communities and their Town & Parish Councils, with limited budgets, will likely be unable to adequately fund, and provide the technical knowledge, to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan
 
  • Communities in deprived or rural areas - most in need of shaping local growth - will be disproportionately disadvantaged
 
  • Developers will gain disproportionate influence, with local policy-making weakened, at precisely the moment that central and regional planning is being streamlined

The implications are significant:
 
  • End of equitable NP access: Wealthier or better-resourced communities may still produce NPs; others will struggle to start or update them
 
  • Loss of technical advice: this is absolutely critical for navigating environmental assessment requirements, site assessments, and policy compliance — without this, many draft NPs would not meet required basic legal tests. This will have the greatest impact on communities trying to shape their own futures, because common sense and the democratic voice will be significantly muted.
 
  • Organic developments - that would keep the life blood pumping in smaller communities - will now either not be allocated or will be determined strategically where the local voice does not necessarily prevail.
 
  • It totally undermines the Localism (2011) Act’s intent: that communities should have a real say in where and how development happens.

Updates

2025-09-03 13:32:24 +0100

THANK YOU AI/ CO-PILOT:

🏡 Ambridge Neighbourhood Plan: “Rooted in Tradition, Growing with Vision”

🌳 1. Character & Identity
Ambridge remains a quintessential English village, but this plan enhances its identity with thoughtful development:

Village Green Revitalisation: A central hub with seasonal markets, open-air theatre, and community picnics.

Heritage Trail: A walking route with plaques and audio guides narrating Ambridge’s fictional history, from the founding of Brookfield Farm to the tales of The Bull.

🏘️ 2. Housing & Development
Balanced growth to meet modern needs while preserving rural aesthetics:

Affordable Cottages: 12 new eco-friendly homes styled in traditional brick and timber, prioritised for young families and key workers.

Artist’s Row: A cluster of live-work studios for creatives, with gallery space and workshops open to the public.

Retirement Courtyard: A peaceful enclave with accessible bungalows, communal gardens, and wellness support.

2025-09-03 09:09:32 +0100

Anyone have case studies of the adverse impact of NP funding withdrawal? Please email me details.....cases seem to be emerging. [email protected]

Please keep plugging away at people signing our petition! Action with Communities ACRE publicising petition via Rural Housing Enablers. Thank you ACRE.
As ever - many thanks.

2025-08-23 10:35:47 +0100

Delighted to receive help from CPRE HQ....and to see CPRE members around the country signing up. 1,161 signatories.....keep 'em coming! And thanks for your support

2025-08-19 10:46:24 +0100

We are almost at 1,100......thanks for your support. (Please) keep it coming......and do encourage others to sign up.

Have a good week
James

2025-08-07 12:01:43 +0100

This 2020 publication - assessing the effectiveness of Neighbourhood Plans - may interest you: 'Impacts of Neighbourhood Planning in England'
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/929422/Impacts_of_Neighbourhood_Planning_in_England.pdf

2025-08-07 11:59:19 +0100

This publication - about Community-led Planning - may interest viewers and signatories:
https://www.communityplanning.net/neighbourhoodplanning/pdfs/PlanningAndLocalismSpreads.pdf

2025-08-04 21:29:53 +0100

Did you know that 2020 research report for the MCLG - 'Impacts of Neighbourhood Planning in England' – presented evidence, showing that “Neighbourhood Plans allocating housing sites provided an average of 39 additional units above what was allocated in the Local Plan. And furthermore, that across “135 plans, this amounted to 18,000 extra homes beyond local authority targets.”

NPs are pro-development

2025-07-25 10:44:51 +0100

Lily T. - I believe you are our 1,000 signatory. Take a bow! Thank you also to the other 999......

Please keep encouraging others to sign. With thanks
James

2025-07-24 22:04:48 +0100

1,000 signatures reached

2025-07-24 12:17:39 +0100

"1001 cleans a big, big carpet, for less than half a Crown"! Anyone under 55 years of age will probably not remember this TV advert! The point being we are almost at 1,000 signatures for our petition!!

Thanks so much - onwards and upwards :)
James

2025-07-21 18:13:07 +0100

Will you or someone you know, be the 1,000th signatory!? 949 and climbing....thanks as ever for your support

2025-07-17 11:20:03 +0100

'NAG' - informal support group for this campaign/ petition is: 'Gang of Four' -

James Derounian, community development activist and teaches on Community Governance courses for parish, town and community council clerks. Lives, Gloucestershire

Alma Dunigan, community activist, formerly NP Champion. Lives, Northumberland

Alison Eardley, independent planner, and advisor to Neighbourhood Plans. Lives, Kent

Angie Hurren, Clerk to Broadclyst Parish Council; and course leader for Community Governance higher education courses, provided by the SLCC (Society of Local Council Clerks). Lives, Devon

2025-07-16 23:04:10 +0100

Any friendly journalists out there in the ethersphere? Please get in touch for a gift of a news story all about Government SAYING encouraging things about community empowerment, whilst simultaneously DOING the opposite (axing NP support funding)

Do as I say, not as I do?

2025-07-16 22:33:20 +0100

900 barrier broken! Way to go!
1,000 rapidly approaching.

2025-07-15 15:55:10 +0100

Put up the bunting; wave the flags....900 signatures immanent!
Please keep encouraging others to sign up!! 1,000 here we come