8. Neighbourhood planning referendums
Neighbourhood plans are optional plans that are prepared by town or parish councils, or neighbourhood forums. The plan shows how the community wants land to be used and developed in its area. Once a neighbourhood plan or order has been prepared, an independent examiner will check that it meets the right basic standards.
This council will then organise a referendum on any plan or order that meets the basic standards. This will ensure that the community has the final say on whether a neighbourhood plan or order comes into force.
Residents who are registered to vote in local elections will be entitled to vote in the referendum, which is conducted following similar procedures to those used at local government elections.
If more than 50% of people voting in the referendum support the plan or order, then the local planning authority must bring it into force.