RESIDENTS will now have more power to shape the development and growth of their local area as Government funding is secured for Neighbourhood Planning.

St Helens Borough Council secured the funding to engage with residents around the creation of the community-led planning opportunity and the benefits it brings.

Using this funding, the council has commissioned an independent organisation to engage with and deliver neighbourhood planning support to community groups up to September 2023.

Engagement begins soon with 'Introduction to Neighbourhood Planning' workshops at three locations starting later this month.

The workshops are free for all to attend, and will explain what neighbourhood planning is, how neighbourhood planning could benefit your area, how to get started, and what help is available.

READ > Nurses at St Helens and Whiston Hospitals to strike over pay

Through Neighbourhood Planning, communities are able to choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built, have their say on what they should look like, and what infrastructure should be provided.

What you can do 

The benefits neighbourhood planning with community support is able to bring include identifying and protecting local green spaces, protecting the character and appearance of an area, managing new development in an area, recognising and protecting local heritage assets, promoting good design in new development, and allocating land for new development.

Outlining future proposals for new infrastructure in an area, including open space, transport connections, schools, health facilities, and other community infrastructure, and contributing to achieving a vision and strategic priorities for your area, are also the benefits of neighbourhood planning.

Councillor Richard McCauley, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, said: "Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision and shape the development and growth of their local area.

"And while our Local Plan has been developed with and for our borough, the powerful tools available to residents through neighbourhood planning really could influence how the delivery of the plan looks in their community.

"I’d encourage anyone with an interest and pride in the development of their local area to get involved, tap into the independent expertise we have commissioned and see what can be achieved together through neighbourhood planning."

A neighbourhood plan gives local communities the power to shape development in their area through a formal plan that has been subject to consultation, examination, and public referendum.

Following a successful public referendum outcome, a neighbourhood plan is 'made' and brought into statutory force.

It will later form part of the Development Plan for the area, along with the Local Plan, against which planning applications will be assessed, and subsequently determined.

Neighbourhood Planning Workshops

Monday January 30, 6-8pm – Clock Face Labour Club, Clock Face Road, St Helens WA9 4TZ

Tuesday January 31, 11am-1pm – St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, St Helens WA10 1HP

Tuesday February 7, 2-4pm – Newton-le-Willows Community Centre, Park Road South, Newton-le-Willows WA12 8EX

For more information visit http://www.sthelens.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning

The introductory workshops are free to attend but booking is required.

Find an online booking form on the above website, or alternatively email DAC Planning at admin@dacplanning.com or call them on 07990 038778.