It is a document that sets out a vision for an area or site and sets planning policies for the use and development of land. It has to align with the emerging Local Plan for Cornwall and the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework 2012.

A neighbourhood plan takes a positive/proactive approach to development and gives local communities power to shape development.

It provides the planning framework to help deliver the communities vision for land use.

It must ‘have regard’ to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and be in ‘general conformity’ with theCornwall  Local Plan.

Its a useful tool for communities at a neighbourhood level as its about local issues and adding detail to the Cornwall-wide Local Plan.

The significant fact is that a neighbourhood plan has real weight in how planning decisions are assessed.