A: Your councillor is getting confused with parish plans which were a community responsibility although the parish council could be involved. Under the Localism ACT in areas with a parish council the neighbourhood plan is the responsibility of the Parish Council. It is not the responsibility of community groups such as ACRE.

Where the community is not in a parished area it is the responsibility of the Principal Authority. It should be noted that areas having only a Parish Meeting are not responsible for the neighbourhood plan, it is that of the Principal Authority.

Examples of Parish Plans and Village Design Statements are available in the members area