What is a Parish Plan?

The government wishes to give rural communities a bigger opportunity to run their own affairs, and to set out a vision for their town or village to guide its future development. Some communities have already prepared Village Design Statements and carried out a parish Appraisal. Many have looked at local housing needs and the allocation of land for industrial and commercial development.

But a Parish Plan is more than a design statement or survey of housing needs. It should cover everything of relevance to the people who live in the parish including social, economic and environmental issues, It will need to address the needs of the entire community and everyone should have the opportunity to participate in its preparation.

In short the Parish Plan:

• Will identify the issues that are important to our community.
• Highlights the needs and the aspirations of the community.
• Pinpoint the opportunities that exist for improvement.
• Every household and business in the village will be consulted giving them the chance of being heard, not just those who speak up at local meetings.
• It will enable future projects to be planned with the knowledge that the community will support them.
• Through working towards a common goal the Plan brings groups and individuals in the community together.
  

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