An Introduction to Neighbourhood Development Plans

Devon Community Learningprovides a wealth of group learning, online courses and professional training opportunities for businesses, community groups, social enterprises, charities, local councils and individuals in Devon and beyond.Over the past six decades DCT has amassed a wealth of experience in community development, community engagement, business and enterprise and many more areas key to supporting our communities to thrive. Our team of internal trainers, plus a carefully selected team of external experts, are here to help you and your organisation to achieve your aims through a blend of online and in-person training sessions. Our accessible courses, events and training sessions cover a wide range of subjects including:Support for Community Buildings and Village HallsCommunity Resilience and Emergency PlanningSocial and Community EnterpriseAsset Based Community Development (ABCDNeighbourhood Development Planning and Rural HousingBusiness Planning and DevelopmentMarketingVoluntary Sector and Governance trainingMeasuring Impact, Theory of Change and Social ValueBenefits and Money Advice training

Devon Communities Together

This short course will give an overview of what Neighbourhood Plans can be used for and what’s involved in writing one.

Northleigh House

Devon Community Learning

Devon Community Learning provides a wealth of group learning, online courses and professional training opportunities for businesses, community groups, social enterprises, charities, local councils and individuals in Devon and beyond.

Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2025Time: 9.30 for a 10am start – 1pm finishPlease bring your own lunch but refreshments will be provided.This training is an in person, 3 hour training session held at the Devon Communities Together offices – 1 Northleigh House, Thorverton Road, Exeter EX2 8HF.Please note that a minimum of 6 attendees are required in order for this training to go ahead. <ul><li>Are you considering embarking on a Neighbourhood Plan for your Parish but would like to understand more about what it involves?</li></ul><ul><li>Have you already started a Neighbourhood Plan and are concerned about the recent funding cuts?</li></ul><ul><li>Do you need a broader understanding of Neighbourhood Planning and its context within the planning system?</li></ul> What will the training include?Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area.This short course, delivered by one of the team at Devon Communities Together, will give an overview of what Neighbourhood Plans can be used for and what’s involved in writing one. It will suggest useful resources to help you move forward with a plan, or simply to understand the subject better. We will look some examples of existing neighbourhood plans and consider best practice. We’ll also look at the new Neighbourhood Priorities Statement as an alternative to a full Neighbourhood Development Plan in the light of the recent funding cuts.This is an interactive session with space for questions, discussion and exploration.