What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
It is a set of Policies developed by the community giving greater control over where and how development takes place within the Neighbourhood Area (Ashington Parish area).

What will happen if we do not have a Neighbourhood Plan?
Then the Local Plan, produced by Horsham District Council (HDC) will determine where & how development takes place in Ashington. Development will follow HDC policies, not Ashington-specific ones.

If we do not agree to the Neighbourhood Plan will there still be building in Ashington?
Yes. The Government have set house building numbers across the country and HDC have targets to meet in our District. New homes have to go somewhere.

How does a Neighbourhood Plan protect the Parish?
It is a set of Policies specific to Ashington Parish., shaped from many consultation events with residents. It details sites, planning criteria, community assets and the aspirations for the village that residents expressed. It focuses on sustainable development of appropriate numbers of homes.

Are there any financial implications for the Parish?
Yes. Parishes with a ‘made’ Neighbourhood Plan will receive additional funding from Developers via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). They will receive 25% of the CIL whilst those without a Neighbourhood Plan receive 15%. The difference can be huge, depending on the number of new homes. CIL monies can be used to deliver community infrastructure projects in Ashington.

Will building definitely take place on the sites that are allocated?
The sites allocated have been identified as the most suitable, and sustainable, for development. However, the Neighbourhood Plan is not planning permission. Any potential Developer will still have to submit detailed plans, through a planning application, which will be assessed against the policies in the Neighbourhood Plan, national policies, as well as HDC’s own policies.

What happens if a planning application for a site not included in the Neighbourhood Plan is submitted?
A made Neighbourhood Plan carries a significant amount of weight in the planning decision process. Therefore, such an application is unlikely to be approved. Without a Neighbourhood Plan the application might be approved.

Can the Parish Council object to planning applications for Neighbourhood Plan sites?
Yes. The planning application process is unchanged by a Neighbourhood Plan. The Parish Council is a statutory consultee with HDC and will consider all applications on their merits.

What happens if I don’t vote?
The Referendum is determined by simple majority so the more residents who vote, the greater the true representation of the residents.

I still don’t understand…
Please contact the Parish Clerk and we will do our best to help you.