Dersingham Neighbourhood Plan

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led planning document. It sets out how Dersingham should grow and develop, covering things like housing, green spaces, and local facilities. Once approved, it has legal force and must be considered in planning decisions.

Why do we need one?
Without a Neighbourhood Plan, most decisions are guided only by the Borough Council’s Local Plan. With one, we can make sure development reflects the needs and wishes of Dersingham residents.

What can it cover?
A Neighbourhood Plan is a set of policies relating to the development and use of land within a designated area. The policies within the plan can therefore be applied to anything that requires planning permission. This may include:

• Where new homes, shops, offices, or community facilities should go
• The type and mix of housing (e.g. affordable homes, downsizing options, social housing, rented accommodation)
• Protection of green spaces, heritage and the environment.
• Protection of the local character and amenity by ensuring future developments respect local scale, materials and street scene.
• Priorities for transport, walking, cycling, and community facilities

What geographical area does the Dersingham plan cover?
The designated area has been set to include the whole of the Civil Parish of Dersingham. There is a link to a map showing the Parish Boundary below. Parish boundaries are indicated by the heavy blue lines.

Dersingham Parish Boundary map

Who prepares the plan?
The Parish Council leads the process, but it is shaped by local residents, businesses, and community groups. The Parish Council have commissioned a consultant to assist us and guide us through the statutory process.

What is the process for producing the plan?
The process for producing the approved local plan is outlined below. We are hoping to complete the process within 18 months and the end result should be an Adopted Neighbourhood Plan valid until 2040.

1. Designate the Neighbourhood Area – (Done)
   • The Parish Council applies to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to formally designate the area to be covered by the plan.
   • The LPA consults and confirms the designation.
2. Community Engagement and Evidence Gathering (Autumn ’25 to Spring ’26)
   • The council engages residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
   • Surveys, workshops, and consultations help identify priorities.
   • Evidence is collected to support emerging policies.
3. Drafting the Plan (Spring – Summer ’26)
   • A working group develops the draft Neighbourhood Plan, including:
     • Vision and objectives
     • Land use policies
     • Maps and supporting documents
4. Pre-Submission Consultation (Summer ’26)
   • The draft plan is published for public consultation (minimum 6 weeks).
   • Feedback is reviewed and used to refine the plan.
5. Submission to the Borough Council (Autumn ’26)
   • The finalised plan, consultation statement, and supporting documents are submitted to the Borough Council.
6. Publication and Independent Examination (Early ’27)
   • The LPA publicises the plan (Regulation 16) and appoints an independent examiner.
   • The examiner reviews the plan and may recommend modifications.
7. Referendum (Mid 2027)
   • If the examiner approves, the Borough Council organises a local referendum.
   • A majority of votes in favour (over 50%) is required for the plan to proceed.
8. Formal Adoption (Mid ’27)
   • If successful at referendum, the Borough Council formally “makes” (adopts) the Neighbourhood Plan.
   • It becomes part of the statutory development plan and guides future planning decisions.

Does it really make a difference?
Yes. Once approved by referendum, it becomes part of the statutory development plan. That means developers and decision-makers must follow it.

How can I get involved?

• Take part in surveys and consultations
• Attend workshops and public meetings
• Share your views on what Dersingham needs
• Vote in the final referendum

If you live, own or manage a business within the parish of Dersingham please register to receive Neighbourhood Plan updates, consultations and surveys by email using the link or QR code below.

Your input matters and staying connected ensures you won’t miss opportunities to have your say. We’ll only use your contact details for Neighbourhood Plan purposes, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Neighbourhood Plan Email Contact Registration

In short: A Neighbourhood Plan gives Dersingham a stronger voice in shaping its future. It’s our chance to decide what kind of village we want to pass on to the next generation.