Made Neighbourhood Plans
Edenfield Neighbourhood Plan (April 2025)
The Edenfield Neighbourhood Plan went to Referendum on 20 February 2025 and was successful. As a result, the Neighbourhood Plan now forms part of the Development Plan for this part of Rossendale, and was made on 2 April 2025.
For more information, please refer to the Edenfield Neighbourhood Plan webpage.
Other Neighbourhood Plans In Progress
Bacup and Stacksteads Neighbourhood Plan
For more information, please refer to the Bacup and Stacksteads Neighbourhood Plan webpage.
What is a Neighbourhood Forum and what can it do?
A Neighbourhood Forum is a body of people who live, work or act as councillors for a defined area. It must have a minimum of 21 Members and a Constitution. In deciding whether to designate a Forum the Council must consider the application against the requirements of the Act, in particular its purpose and the local connections of its membership.
A Neighbourhood Forum is designated for a period of 5 years and no other Neighbourhood Forum can be declared for all or part of the Neighbourhood Area during that period.
A Neighbourhood Forum has the power to produce a Neighbourhood Plan. This can include specific policies and land allocations but must be broadly in alignment with the Council’s own Local Plan, including on housing numbers. Preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan has to go through a defined process including consultation on a draft Plan, consideration by an independent Examiner and a public referendum before approval. Once adopted the Neighbourhood Plan forms part of the Statutory Development Plan for the area.
Guidance and further information
Guidance on Neighbourhood Planning
Government National Planning Practice Guidance
The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012
For any further information please contact forwardplanning@rossendalebc.gov.uk.