Community-led Planning (typically in the form of parish plans, but also encompassing town plans, neighbourhood plans etc) is a community-led process by which a geographical area (such as a parish) produces a document that sets out their vision for the area, linked to an action plan. It will set out the community’s views and aims based on consultation on a wide range of issues that impact on residents e.g. housing, environment, local facilities, transport etc). Please click here for ideas of themes that a community might consider

Community Plans Theme Idea Slide (83 KB Download)

It is important to have community involvement for this to be successful. In parishes, it is usual for a steering group of parish councillors and residents to take the project forward. The parish council will adopt the plan but it is a joint collaborative project with the community. Ideally the steering group should be representative of the parish e.g. male and female; range of ages; residents who are interested in becoming involved; people from local groups and also businesses, parish councillors etc.

There is often a three phased approach, so for a parish plan this will, in broad terms, be:

• a parish-wide consultation that is as inclusive and comprehensive as possible;
• a refining and prioritising of the data, and feeding back of the results to the community
• the writing of a plan (adopted as appropriate i.e. by the parish council, if a parish-wide plan) that includes the consultation data, but also links to the wider policies and strategies in Cornwall, as well as setting out an action plan.

A key element of the process is to engage and build relationships with external organisations including service providers such as the local authority, police etc. However, a plan is not about recording the community’s views and then expecting others to deliver the action plan. The community will certainly want to build relationships with partners in order that some projects and/or actions can be taken forward, but it will also require action by the community and parish council. There will also be some actions that relate to lobbying.

There are a number of reasons why parishes have decided to undertake a Parish Plan. Here are some of them...

• To set out a local strategy for the area, and to influence/challenge policies and strategies
• Ensure that residents have a chance to have their say - providing a mandate for the parish council
• To enthuse and involve the local community, and kick-start local action
• To record what’s good about a parish as well as what isn’t
• To attract funding (parish councils and local community groups may use the plan as an evidence base)
• To encourage joint working and help forge relationships with relevant bodies.

Downloads and Links