Local government

Community Right to Build

The Community Right to Build is a set of proposals that would give local communities the power to decide what is built in their area. The new powers would mean that where developments for new houses, community facilities or shops have the agreement of the local area through a 'community referendum', and meet a minimum criterion, communities will not need to go through the normal planning application process.

This will give communities the freedom to decide how to meet the local priorities in their area, and allow new homes, shops, businesses or facilities to be built where they want them. Communities would be able to decide the type of developments and housing they want to see, and the benefits would be retained for the community - managed by a corporate body formed by members of the local community.

Whilst it will be for communities to identify suitable land, sources of finance and secure support for their proposals, there will be help and guidance in available, and advice from people who already have experience of taking forward community-led schemes.

Q and A on Community Right to Build

Q: What is Community Right to Build?
A: We see Community Right to Build as a means by which like-minded people from the local area come together with a shared vision of what they want to achieve in their community and how they can go about it. New powers for these communities will mean that community organisations would be able to take forward 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.

Q: Who will be able to use the new powers?
A: Community Right to Build would be able to be used throughout England - in both rural and urban areas. We also envisage that communities would be free to use property developers, should they wish to do so or enter into partnerships such as with a housing association to manage their homes. See the links below for examples of areas that have taken forward community-led schemes.

Q: What developments could the powers be used for?
A: A wide range of plans could be approved where a community agrees. For example additional housing to meet the demand of future generations, new shops where communities want to offer low rent deals to local convenience stores or farm shops, or a new community hall or sports facilities.

Q: When will they come into force?
A: The new powers are one of a number of measures included in the Localism Bill which is currently before Parliament. So whilst the exact date that the powers can start being used from depends on the Parliamentary process, communities should start thinking about what the new powers could mean for their area and how they would use them, so that they are ready to go if the new rights become law.

Q: What do I need to do to plan for the powers?
A: If you're interested in a community-led development you should talk to your neighbours to get an idea about what sort of development the whole community would want to see. You may also want to talk to your local council, housing association or other community groups. And you might find it useful to get advice from people who already have experience of taking forward community-led schemes.

For more information visit:

For more details on the Localism Bill you can visit the UK Parliament website at http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/localism/documents.html (external link).

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