FAQ's

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
What is a Neighbourhood Plan not?
Why do we need a Neighbourhood Plan?
What can you do about the planning applications?
Why do we need more housing in Woolpit?
How can we stop more development in the village?
What difference will the Neighbourhood Plan make?
What will the Neighbourhood Plan cover?
Can we do anything we want through the Neighbourhood Plan?
Who is responsible for producing our Neighbourhood Plan?
What happens next?
What will the questionnaire be about?
We should make more provision for ..., how is the Neighbourhood Plan going to do that?
What is meant by sustainable development?
Why is it good for business?
Why is it good for residents?
How long will it take to produce our Neighbourhood Plan?
What will happen once a Neighbourhood Plan is adopted?
If the plan is adopted, how will our policies be enforced?
How can I keep in the picture as the development of the Plan progresses?
How can I help?

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
It is a community-led framework for guiding the future development and growth of an area.Back to the top

What is a Neighbourhood Plan not?
It can't conflict with national and local planning policies.Back to the top

Why do we need a Neighbourhood Plan?
Woolpit is under pressure to provide sites for house building. A plan would give us a say in what happens.Back to the top

What can you do about the planning applications?
At the moment, each developer submits their plans to MSDC and the normal planning process is followed.Back to the top

Why do we need more housing in Woolpit?
Woolpit's own Housing Needs Survey showed that there is a need for more affordable homes in the parish.Back to the top

How can we stop more development in the village?
We can't stop it. MSDC policy currently allocates 750 houses to the 13 Key Service Centre villages (Woolpit is one). This is a minimum number.Back to the top

What difference will the Neighbourhood Plan make?
Neighbourhood planning lets our community play a role in shaping the area where we live and work.Back to the top

What will the Neighbourhood Plan cover?
Where and what type of development should happen in Woolpit, and related issues like transport and access; education, health and community facilities; protection of natural and historic assets; and renewable energy.Back to the top

Can we do anything we want through the Neighbourhood Plan?
Everything in the plan must be based on what the community wants, backed by evidence. At the same time, it must conform to MSDC planning guidelines, and be viable and sustainable.Back to the top

Who is responsible for producing our Neighbourhood Plan?
Woolpit Parish Council.Back to the top

What happens next?
We have to consult the community in Woolpit, and carry out a questionnaire.Back to the top

What will the questionnaire be about?
That will depend on the issues we identify as important to the community.Back to the top

We should make more provision for ..., how is the Neighbourhood Plan going to do that?
The aim of the plan is to create a thriving community by making sure development is appropriate.Back to the top

What is meant by sustainable development?
Sustainable development is about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come.Back to the top

Why is it good for business?
Businesses can say what they need: buildings, facilities and uses.Back to the top

Why is it good for residents?
The Neighbourhood Plan will help ensure Woolpit remains an attractive area to live and work.Back to the top

How long will it take to produce our Neighbourhood Plan?
Probably about two years.Back to the top

What will happen once a Neighbourhood Plan is adopted?
Planning applications will have to conform to our Neighbourhood Plan as well as the Local Plan.Back to the top

If the plan is adopted, how will our policies be enforced?
Planning permission would normally be refused if it doesn't conform with the policies in our Neighbourhood Plan.Back to the top

How can I keep in the picture as the development of the Plan progresses?
News is posted on the website. You can sign up for our mailing list. Anyone can attend the meetings of the Steering Group (4th Monday, 7.30 pm in the Institute).Back to the top

How can I help?
Please sign up to join our group of volunteer helpers. Email Richard Mawhood at puffin.cix@gmail.com