A neighbourhood plan consultant is a planning professional who helps local communities - parish councils, town councils and designated neighbourhood forums - navigate the Neighbourhood Development Plan process introduced by the Localism Act 2011. Once made (adopted), a neighbourhood plan forms part of the statutory development plan and carries real weight in planning decisions for the area. The process involves community engagement, policy writing, a Regulation 14 public consultation, an independent examination and a local referendum - all of which benefit from professional support to ensure the plan meets the basic conditions and is legally robust.
What they do
- Advise on the feasibility and scope of a neighbourhood plan
- Draft policies on housing, design, environment and community facilities
- Manage the Regulation 14 pre-submission public consultation
- Prepare the basic conditions statement and consultation statement
- Coordinate with the local planning authority throughout the process
- Prepare the plan for independent examination and support at examination
- Advise on evidence base requirements and technical studies
- Support the community in the local referendum campaign
- Review and update adopted plans as policies become dated
When you need one
A neighbourhood plan consultant supports parish and town councils and neighbourhood forums at any stage of the plan-making process.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Initial advice and feasibility | £800 - £1,500 |
| Plan preparation (full service) | £5,000 - £25,000+ |
| Community engagement support | £2,000 - £6,000 |
| Basic conditions statement | £1,000 - £3,000 |
| Examination support | £1,500 - £4,000 |
| Referendum support | £500 - £1,500 |
Locality grant funding of up to £10,000 is available to qualifying communities. Costs depend heavily on the size and complexity of the neighbourhood area and the level of policy detail required.
Qualifications to look for
Although neighbourhood plan consultancy is not a regulated profession, MRTPI membership is a strong quality indicator. Chartered town planners have demonstrated competence in spatial planning policy and legislation. Check membership at rtpi.org.uk.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Neighbourhood Development Plan?
A Neighbourhood Development Plan is a community-led planning document that, once adopted, forms part of the development plan for the area. It can contain policies on where development should go, design standards, green spaces and community facilities, and carries significant weight in planning decisions.
Who can produce a neighbourhood plan?
A parish or town council, or a designated neighbourhood forum for areas without a parish council, can produce a neighbourhood plan. Professional planning support is usually needed to ensure policies are sound and meet the basic conditions required for the plan to be adopted.
What are the basic conditions?
The basic conditions are the tests a neighbourhood plan must pass at examination: general conformity with strategic policies of the development plan; consistent with national policy; contributes to sustainable development; and compatible with EU obligations including habitats regulations.