Parish councils and other local bodies can draw up a new type of policy document – a neighbourhood plan – which will be part of the basis for planning permission decisions.
These plans are being drawn up around the country now. There is public consultation when anyone can comment. The first neighbourhood plan to get through the examination stage of the process is about to proceed to the final stage of a local referendum.
If you own land or have an interest in development, you can get involved in the preparation. Also, watch out for neighbourhood plans coming into force as you will need to take them into account when applying for planning permission.