❌ Myth: “The NDP decides how many new homes Hullavington has to build”

Reality

No. The overall number of homes is determined through national planning policy and Wiltshire Council’s Local Plan. The role of the NDP is to help shape how those homes are delivered locally: where they are built, what they look like and what benefits they bring to the community.

❌ Myth: “If Hullavington didn’t have an NDP, we wouldn’t get any more housing”

Reality

Unfortunately, that’s not how the planning system works. Development can still take place whether or not a village has a Neighbourhood Development Plan. Without an up-to-date NDP, Hullavington would simply have less influence over where/how future development takes place. 

❌ Myth: “Having an NDP makes Hullavington a bigger target for developers”

Reality

No. Developers decide where to promote land based on many factors, including planning policy, market demand, location and land ownership. Having an up-to-date NDP doesn’t invite more development. It gives the community a stronger voice in shaping development that may come forward. Without an up-to-date NDP, Hullavington has much less influence over how future development is planned. 

❌ Myth: “The Parish Council can decide whether planning applications are approved”

Reality

No. Wiltshire Council is the local planning authority and is responsible for determining planning applications. However, once adopted, Hullavington’s NDP becomes part of the statutory development plan, which Wiltshire Council must take into account when making planning decisions.

❌ Myth: “The NDP guarantees that developers will deliver everything the community wants”

Reality

No. The NDP strengthens the community’s position by setting planning policies and supporting negotiations with developers. Many community benefits can then be secured through planning conditions and legally binding Section 106 agreements. However, no planning system can guarantee every aspiration will be delivered exactly as originally envisaged. That’s why the Steering Group is committed to being open about what the NDP can – and cannot – achieve.

❌ Myth: “The NDP has already decided where development will happen”

Reality

The Neighbourhood Plan has assessed all 14 sites on the same basis, including sites that were formally put forward and some that were not. 

The draft Plan identifies the Steering Group’s current recommendations, based on that assessment. However, these are not final. During the consultation, residents, landowners, statutory consultees and other interested parties will all have the opportunity to comment. The Steering Group will consider all feedback and evidence before making its recommendations to the Parish Council, which will decide which site or sites to include in the Submission Draft Plan.

The Plan looks for the best overall fit: sites that can help meet housing needs, deliver the greatest community benefits and cause the least harm. This is important because, if development is going to happen, we want to make sure Hullavington secures the best possible outcomes for the village.

Even after the Plan is submitted to Wiltshire Council, the independent examiner may recommend further changes before the Plan is put to a village referendum. The final Plan can only be adopted if it is supported by a majority of those voting.

❌ Myth: “The NDP is only about housing”

Reality

Not at all. Housing is one important part of the Plan, but the NDP also covers topics such as:

• protecting green spaces
• biodiversity
• walking, cycling and riding routes
• village character
• design quality
• community facilities
• supporting local businesses.

The aim is to help shape Hullavington’s future as a whole, not just decide where homes should go. 

Of the 11 policies contained within the updated NDP, only 2 are directly related to housing: the remainder are about other community benefits, biodiversity, footpaths and other issues the community has told us are important to them.

❌ Myth: “It’s too late to have my say”

Reality

Absolutely not. The Steering Group wants as many people as possible to get involved before the Plan is finalised. There will be opportunities to comment on the draft NDP, attend consultation events and vote in the local referendum. Every comment received will be carefully considered before the Plan is finalised.