Why is the Neighbourhood Plan important?

It is currently the only meaningful form of protection the village has against speculative development. It is also the best way for us to drive improvements in the amenities in Hullavington.

Do we need to allocate land for development?

Yes. For the Neighbourhood Plan to carry real weight and be effective, it needs to positively plan for development.

By allocating sites, the community can choose where development goes and influences its design and layout, rather than having sites imposed through speculative applications.

What happens if we allocate land for development?

If land is allocated within the plan, the community retains some control. This allows us to decide where development takes place and influence how it looks and is designed, helping to shape growth in a way that benefits the village.

What happens if we do not allocate land for development?

Neighbourhood plans without development allocations offer no protection against development. Indeed, they forego any influence local concerns and priorities may want.

Can the Neighbourhood Plan approve or refuse planning applications? No. A Neighbourhood Plan cannot approve or refuse planning applications.

What does the Neighbourhood Plan actually do?

Its role is to guide development so that, when proposals come forward, the community does not lose out and can secure the best possible outcomes.

What happens if we don’t have a plan beyond December 2026?

If the plan expires and is not renewed or replaced:

· The village will have less local control over development.

· It will be harder to influence design, layout, and location of new housing.

· Greater reliance will be placed on national and outdated local policies.

· The tilted balance is likely to apply, increasing the likelihood of speculative development being approved.

· We lose a rare opportunity to significantly improve amenities and community leisure facilities.

Overall, the community would have significantly less influence over future development.

What sites are being considered for allocation? Neighbourhood Development Plans can only include sites that are realistically deliverable. At present, only two landowners are actively progressing sites.

Two sites are being considered because:

· Both are currently progressing planning applications.

· Both are able to fulfil the policy requirement for Community Land.

· Together, they are expected to meet Wiltshire’s emerging housing targets for Hullavington, although this can only be confirmed when the Wiltshire Local Plan is adopted.