A man and a woman shaking hands

Why do I need to read this guide?

For the Qualifying Body (QB) producing a neighbourhood plan, building positive and proactive relationships with the local planning authority and other local stakeholders can be crucial.

This toolkit explains the purpose, content and function of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is a document that sets forth and clarifies the principles of a working relationship between different parties.

What will I learn from this guide?

  • What a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is.
  • The importance of working closely with your local planning authority
  • The importance of relationships when producing a neighbourhood plan

When should I read this guide?

You should read this guide before you start work on your neighbourhood plan and before you make contact with your local planning authority.

Further reading

You can find out more about getting started with your neighbourhood plan by reading the Neighbourhood Planning Roadmap.

Developing a Memorandum of Understanding (1.3MB pdf)