Ashperton Parish Council
Neighbourhood Development Plan

Ashperton is creating a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) for the parish, shaping the future of our community for the next 20 years. A steering group made up of both parish councillors and parishioners has been formed. This website will explain the process involved and offer parishioners the opportunity to access resources, keep up to date with meetings & events, and share their views and opinions to help forge a successful and resilient plan. Details will also be put onto the notice board outside the village hall.

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDP) stem from the Government’s new Planning System Reform. This reform elevates the influence that local communities will have in the planning process putting our views on a par with the local authority in planning land development, new housing, and related issues such rural employment, renewable energy schemes, etc.

Plans must conform with county and national planning policies. But within this framework we, as a community, will be able to reflect our local views. This is not a charter to prevent change but rather to focus and guide new development. Our views will carry the same weight as Herefordshire Council’s Local Plan representing a considerable opportunity for us to shape the parish’s future.

Why is it Important?
Our plan will provide an opportunity to influence the future of Ashperton Parish for the next 20 years, we will be able to advise on:

Where and what development should happen.
Establishing a formal settlement boundary for the village
Controlling development in the open countryside beyond.
Policies on design standards
Protecting important buildings and historic assets
Promoting community projects such as renewable energy

With this influence comes greater responsibility. Hence it is important that we do all we can to fairly reflect the views of the majority of the community and take deliberate and measured steps to achieve a legal, well balanced and popular plan.

How Will We Achieve This?
The process is divided into six stages taking place over the next two years to: