Burghfield Neighbourhood Plan

Suspension of work on the Burghfield Neighbourhood Plan

At a meeting of Burghfield Parish Council held on 3 October 2024, the Parish Council resolved to suspend work on the Burghfield Neighbourhood Plan, also known as a Neighbourhood Development Plan. This position will be reviewed on an annual basis by Burghfield Parish Council's Planning and Highways Committee. 

The minutes of the Parish Council meeting can be viewed online here.

Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment

West Berkshire Council undertook a screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA). You can read the  screening report [1MB]  and the  decision notice [277KB]  online.

SEA is required for all plans which may have a significant effect on the environment. A SEA aims to protect the environment at a high level, and ensures the environment is considered during the preparation of plans. This promotes sustainable development.

Not all neighbourhood plans will require a SEA to be carried out. To decide if a SEA is required, a screening exercise is used to look at proposals in an emerging neighbourhood plan, and see if a significant effect is likely.

A HRA is required to determine if a neighbourhood plan would have a significant impact upon the integrity of nature conservation sites of international importance, such as Ramsar Sites, Special Areas of Conservation, and Special Protection Areas. If a plan is likely to result in significant impacts, then an assessment referred to as an Appropriate Assessment must be undertaken.

Neighbourhood Area Designation

A Neighbourhood Area for Burghfield Parish was designated on 1 March 2017; you can view the Designation Notice here [1MB] .

In order to prepare a neighbourhood plan, town or parish councils must notify West Berkshire Council of their intention to designate a neighbourhood area. This is the first formal stage in preparing a neighbourhood plan. You can read the  Burghfield Neighbourhood Area application form [1MB]  online. 

The Parish Council have set up a website containing more information about their forthcoming neighbourhood plan.