Frequently Asked Questions
As Ashley Green’s Neighbourhood Plan moves into its Regulation 14 consultation, we know residents may have questions about the plan, how it affects the villages and how you can get involved. The questions below are designed to give straightforward, reassuring explanations of the process, what the plan can and cannot do, and how community feedback will shape the final version.
If you have any additional questions, or would like more detail, please get in touch with the Parish Council or refer to the full consultation documents: the draft Neighbourhood Plan and the draft Grey Belt Study with their appendices.
What is the Neighbourhood Plan?
The Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led planning document created by Ashley Green Parish Council with input from local residents. It sets out a shared vision for the future of the Parish, including priorities on housing, the environment, local character and community facilities. Once adopted, it will help guide future planning decisions in the Parish.
What is Regulation 14?
This is the first formal public consultation stage of the Plan making process. It gives residents, businesses, landowners and local groups the chance to comment on the draft Neighbourhood Plan before it is finalised. All feedback received will be reviewed and used to improve the Plan ahead of its next stage.
Why is the consultation important?
This is a formal opportunity for the community to influence the final version of the plan. Comments can help strengthen policies, correct errors, add and strengthen evidence, or highlight things that may need further clarity. The plan is for the community, so your input is essential.
How can I respond to the consultation?
You can respond by either; completing the online consultation form or sending written comments by email or post to the Parish Council.
What happens after Regulation 14?
All comments will be carefully reviewed and a Consultation Statement will be prepared summarising the feedback and any changes made. The revised plan will then be submitted to the Local Authority (Regulation 15) and examined by an independent examiner (Regulation 16) before going to a community referendum.
Will the Neighbourhood Plan allocate land for development?
The draft plan does not allocate sites for development. Ashley Green Parish is in the Green Belt. Neighbourhood Plans cannot allocate and release land from the Green Belt for development, only Local Plans can do that.
What is the Grey Belt Study?
The Grey Belt Study is an assessment of land around both Ashley Green and Whelpley Hill villages to understand which areas may be more suitable for development if needed. It considers constraints of each site and the surrounding area. It does not make an allocation. A dedicated FAQ document for the Grey Belt Study is available here, as well as a glossary for terms used throughout the study here.
Does the Neighbourhood Plan mean new development will happen, or is more likely to happen?
No. The plan does not directly bring forward development. Any proposals would still need to go through the usual planning application process and meet national and local planning policies, as well as the Neighbourhood Plan once made.
Can the Plan be used to help stop development?
No. National Planning Policy now requires all areas to plan for some level of growth – even in the Green Belt. The Neighbourhood Plan cannot prevent development, but it can be used to help shape what it looks like, where it goes (if appropriate) and how it benefits the existing community.
What if I disagree with part of the Plan?
That is completely fine – this consultation is the right time to say so. You can provide comments explaining what you disagree with and why. All responses will be reviewed and considered as the Plan is updated.
Who has been involved in preparing the Plan?
The Plan has been prepared by Ashley Green Parish Council and Steering Group with support from planning professionals and input from residents through surveys, events and engagement over the last year.
Where can I read the full plan and supporting documents?
The Plan is best viewed online, under the ‘Policies’ tab above. However, all consultation documents – including the draft Neighbourhood Plan and the draft Grey Belt Study are available under the documents page in PDF format.