The first neighbourhood plan to get to the public referendum stage has just been voted through. This plan covers 16 parishes in East Cumbria. The turnout was 34% and 90% of those who voted were in favour. The final step is district council endorsement, which is expected to happen at a meeting in April.
Neighbourhood plans are being drawn up throughout England. Keep your eyes peeled in your area. Once in place, they will be taken into account in planning application decisions.