Skip to main content

Below is a brief outline of the process involved in preparing a neighbourhood plan:

  1. The community submits an application to Dudley Council to designate a neighbourhood area

  2. Dudley Council publicises and consults on the area application for a minimum of 6 weeks, and then decided whether to designate a neighbourhood area

  3. A prospective neighbourhood forum submits an application to be the designated neighbourhood forum

  4. Dudley Council consults on the forum application for a minimum of 6 weeks, and then decided whether to designate a neighbourhood forum

  5. The neighbourhood forum draws up its draft neighbourhood plan for the designated neighbourhood area, publicises it and submits it to Dudley Council;

  6. The plan is then amended to address the consultation responses as necessary, and a consultation statement is prepared;

  7. The amended plan is then submitted to Dudley Council – if the council considers that the plan meets all legal requirements, it is then publicised for a minimum of 6 weeks and the consultation bodies referred to in the consultation statement are notified

  8. An independent examiner is appointed;

  9. The examination takes place and the examiner subsequently submits a report to Dudley Council and neighbourhood forum;

  10. Dudley Council will then review the plan in the light of the report and decide whether to send the plan out for a referendum;

  11. If the majority vote in favour of the plan in the referendum, it is then adopted and becomes part of the Development Plan for the Borough.

If you are in a position to progress a neighbourhood plan, you are advised to make early contact with Dudley Council’s Strategic Planning and Historic Environment Team via the contact points listed at the bottom of this page.

Contact Us

Telephone: 01384 814136
Monday to Friday, 8.45 am to 5pm. Note that the offices are closed at weekends and on bank holidays.

Planning Help Desk
Strategic Planning and Historic Environment
Planning and Economic Development

Directorate of Place
4 Ednam Road
Dudley
West Midlands
DY1 1HL

Find us on Google Maps