Hadleigh's Neighbourhood Plan has been given a boost after Babergh was today named as part of a pilot scheme to allow residents an easier way to shape and influence development in their area.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced today (Wednesday) that Babergh, and neighbouring Mid Suffolk, are among 11 areas nationwide to be chosen as part of a pilot scheme to boost participation in neighbourhood planning.

The ability to create a Neighbourhood Plan was introduced as part of the Government's Localism Act 2011, and gives communities the opportunity to develop a shared vision for their area.

Unlike a parish plan or village design statement, a successful Neighbourhood Plan has statutory weight and, once adopted, is used to help decide planning applications.

Aldham and Elmsett have had their Neighbourhood Plans adopted, with one benefit being an extra 10% Community Infrastructure Levy payment from developers paid to them via Babergh.

Hadleigh has been working on its own Neighbourhood Plan in 2014, and the designation area was approved by Babergh in 2015, but the plan fell by the wayside until it was regenerated in February 2021 and progress has remained slow.

Whatfield and Boxford have started on their neighbourhood plans and are various stages of completion.

Across both districts, around 50 parishes have embarked on the Neighbourhood Planning process. To date, 16 Neighbourhood Plans have been successfully adopted, with many others at an advanced stage.

The councils will now receive an award of £45,000 in Government funding to go towards a new post, designed to encourage even more people in the districts to engage with the planning system.

Lavenham Independent councillor Clive Arthey, Babergh's cabinet member for planning, said: "This is marvellous news and will help us work with even more local communities to ensure they have a say on developments within their neighbourhoods and support those who want to be more active in the planning process to help shape their communities for the future."

The other councils chosen were Bassetlaw District Council, Harborough District Council, Leeds City Council, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Middlesbrough Council, and South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.

Another four councils have been allocated up to £50,000 to give residents additional support to produce a Neighbourhood Plan Thee are Birmingham City Council, Chorley Council, Middlesbrough Council, and St Helens Council.