Melbury Abbas and Cann Parish Council are using their neighbourhood plan to bring forward much needed affordable housing.

The population in the area is ageing and declining. Property prices are very expensive, forcing young people out of the area to more affordable places.

The neighbourhood plan seeks to stop this trend, by bringing forward affordable housing. It is hoped this will breathe new life into the area by bridging the affordability gap by making homes more affordable.

More case studies

Image shows Morpeth's High Street on a sunny day with bunting flying overhead across the road.

Development that reflects community needs in the absence of a local plan in Morpeth

Due to its residential appeal and popularity, Morpeth had been under considerable development pressure, leading to inappropriate development. However, despite the development need, the popular market town community remained determined that the need for growth would not jeopardize the feel and character of the area.
The Town Council receiving the Editor’s Award and the Neighbourhood Planning Award at the Planning Awards 2016

Using growth to bring forward much needed community infrastructure in Newport Pagnell

The community was concerned about school placements, the inability to book GP appointments and the quality of existing health facilities. While the core strategy proposed 400 new homes, this level of growth would not be great enough to deliver new infrastructure.