What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan is a planning policy document that sets out a shared vision for the future of the parish over the next 15 years. It includes planning policies that help to shape how new development comes forward, while also seeking to protect and enhance valued local assets such as green spaces, community facilities and heritage buildings.
Once approved through an independent examination and local referendum, the Plan becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area. It is adopted by North Yorkshire Council and is used alongside the Local Plan and National Planning Policy Framework when determining planning applications.
The Plan is being prepared by a project group made up of local residents and Parish Councillors. Community engagement is a vital part of the process, helping to identify local priorities and ensure that the Plan reflects the views and aspirations of people who live and work in the parish.
A Neighbourhood Plan cannot prevent all development or override national or local planning policy. Its policies must be consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework and the emerging North Yorkshire Local Plan. However, it provides an important opportunity to add locally specific policies and guidance that respond to the unique character and needs of the parish.
The Plan may include policies and design guidance relating to:
• Housing
• Green spaces and the natural environment
• Climate change, sustainability and flood mitigation
• Design and local character
• Heritage and conservation
• Community facilities and local services
• Walking, cycling, transport and movement
What are the benefits?
A Neighbourhood Plan gives local people a greater opportunity to influence how their community develops in the future. It enables local priorities, concerns and aspirations to be reflected in planning policies that will be considered when decisions are made on planning applications.
The engagement process is a key part of preparing the Plan. By taking part in surveys, workshops and consultation events, residents, businesses and community groups and help to identify the issues that matter most and shape the vision for the parish.
If a Neighbourhood Plan is successfully adopted, the Parish Council will receive 25% of the Community Infrastructure Levy (where it is charged), rather than the standard 15%. This funding can be used to support local infrastructure, facilities, and community projects that benefit the parish.
While a Neighbourhood Plan cannot guarantee that every local aspiration will be achieved, it provides a powerful and lasting framework for influencing development and ensuring that future growth reflects the character, needs, and ambitions of the local community.
Tockwith with Wilstrop Neighbourhood Plan Designated Area
In October 2025 Tockwith with Wilstrop Parish Council applied to North Yorkshire Council to designate the whole of the parish as a neighbourhood area, to be known as the Tockwith, Cowthorpe and Wilstrop neighbourhood area. This was subsequently designated on 5 March 2026.
Tockwith with Wilstrop Neighbourhood Plan Designated Area Map
Project Plan
Tockwith with Wilstrop Neighbourhood Plan & Design Code – Project Plan