Community Right To Build Order

The Community Right to Build enables community organisations to progress new local developments without the need to go through the normal planning application process, as long as the proposals meet certain criteria and there is community backing in a local referendum.

All profits derived from a Community Right to Build Order must be used for the benefit of the community, for example to provide and maintain local facilities such as village halls.

A proposal for a Community Right to build order must be submitted and can be developed as part of the Neighbourhood Plan, or on its own.

For further information on Community Right to Build Orders, please contact the Planning Policy Team.

Process for Preparing a Community Right to Build Order

What is the process for preparing an order?

  • Defining the neighbourhood -The first step is to designate a Neighbourhood Area in which the Order will apply.
  • Preparing the order - If approved, the town or parish council then starts preparing the Order. They must engage the community and notify statutory consultees. This stage includes a six-week consultation period to publicise the proposals and consider responses. It should involve any affected landowners or tenants.
  • Independent examination - The draft Order must then be submitted to the District Council who will formally publicise the proposal for six weeks consultation. An independent examiner will be appointed to consider any representations and check it conforms to local and national policy. Changes may be recommended.
  • Community referendum - Once satisfied with the draft Order the District Council will organise a referendum. A majority of people voting must support the Order.
  • Legal force - If supported the District Council will bring the Order into force and publicise its decision.