A Neighbourhood Plan for Round Hill
Go to the Planning Aid England website for a concise description of neighbourhood planning.
Alternatively, the My Community website offers
(i) a roadmap guide to neighbourhood planning [1.5 MB PDF] and
(ii) a PDF on frequently asked questions [656.9 KB].
For a brief outline, see the Neighbourhood Plan Quick Reference guide from Brighton and Hove City Council's website.
One of the main challenges is getting a sufficient number of people involved. To clarify this challenge and explore the policy areas of a Round Hill neighbourhood plan, see:
[A] What roles are required among the people who form the neighbourhood forum?
[B] What does a Neighbourhood Forum Constitution look like?
[C] What issues could be referenced in the plan? Wouldn't it be better to leave planning to the Council?
The six steps
The process of developing a neighbourhood plan can also be clarified by the following 6 steps:
2. Define the 'neighbourhood area'
3. Establish a neighbourhood forum
4. Develop a Vision and establish the key issues and potential options
Has Round Hill got the human resources and interest to develop a neighbourhood plan?
Introduction
The Localism Act 2011 introduced statutory Neighbourhood Planning in England. It enables communities to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan for their area and is intended to give communities more of a say in the development of their local area (within certain limits and parameters).
These plans will be used to decide the future of the places where you live and work giving opportunities to:
- choose where you want new homes, shops and offices to be built
- have your say on what new buildings should look like
- grant planning permission for the new buildings you want to see go ahead.
Brighton and Hove City Council offers help with neighbourhood planning at Neighbourhood Planning - assistance for neighbourhood forum
The page includes a comprehensive step-by-step guide that covers everything from defining the neighbourhood area to having the completed neighbourhood plan ‘made’ and becoming part of our local development plan for the area.
There is also a link to Toolkits and Guidance provided by Locality, which explain the Neighbourhood Planning process in detail. The National Guidance on Neighbourhood Planning is also very useful. See also Local Green Space designation.
Existing neighbourhood plans
Brighton and Hove City Council has another page on neighbourhood planning where you can find out about local groups drawing up plans for their areas. Currently there are six designated areas and one parish. To date, three of these have a ‘made’ Neighbourhood Plan: Hove Station Neighbourhood Plan, Rottingdean Neighbourhood Plan, and Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan. The Hove Station area forum first designated their area in September 2014, and their plan was made in March 2024. Brighton Marina started the process in 2015, and their plan was made in 2025.
Download Plans
- PDF 6.8 MB Hove Station Neighbourhood Plan
- PDF 4.5 MB Rottingdean Neighbourhood Plan
- PDF 2.2 MB Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan
See page on Borrowing from other Neighbourhood Plans.
1. Get the community on board
Feedback on what Round Hill residents want has been elicited over the years
2006 concern for protecting our open spaces
2011 Community University Partnership Project
2012 Parking difficulties
2017 Community Safety
though it may be time for The Round Hill Society to survey opinion on a range of issues again. The vision for the neighbourhood plan would need to contain aims which could be supported by a majority of those who live in the area.
To satisfy the local planning authority, membership of a Round Hill neighbourhood forum would need to be drawn from different places in the area.
We would need to retain a minimum of 21 members in order to fulfil the Council's designation requirements The purposes of the forum would need to reflect the character of Round Hill.
The constitutions adopted by Hove Park and Hove Station Neighbourhood Forums contain the following general statement under the heading "AIMS". The Forum aims to improve social, economic and environmental conditions in the Hove Park Ward Neighbourhoods area, particularly through the preparation and implementation of a Neighbourhood Plan.
With reference to Round Hill, the latter statement could encompass a shared wish:
a) to preserve our conservation area's open spaces e.g. the green ribbons between the historic terraces 
A neighbourhood plan would allow Round Hill to apply a “Local Green Space” designation (See Government Guidance https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/8-promoting-healthy-and-safe-communities#para100 sections 106 to 107) to offer protection to our precious ‘green ribbons” .
I notice that Brighton and Hove City Council has a paper on Local Green Space designation at https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/sites/default/files/migrated/article/inline/FINAL%20LGS%20Topic%20Paper.pdf
b) to develop suitable planning briefs for sites like:
+ Richmond House: no taller than 2-storeys; amount / design / use in keeping with the character & appearance of the conservation area; a use which is compatible with community wishes, preferably one which harnesses resources (e.g. social or economic) which local residents have to offer. 
2. Define the 'neighbourhood area' 
Application form (Neighbourhood Area) - Example: Hove Park
A OS map with the boundary of the neighbourhood area marked in red should also be submitted with the application form. See EXAMPLE: Rottingdean Parish Neighbourhood Area map
We could use the map which accompanies Round Hill's Conservation Area Character Statement, though we may want to consider a larger 'Round Hill' area.
3. Establish a neighbourhood forum
Application form (Neighbourhood Forum) - Example: Hove Park
See Hove Station Neighbourhood Forum Distribution of members
A designated neighbourhood forum, like a town or parish council, can take on the role of developing a neighbourhood plan. To become a neighbourhood forum, an organisation or body must apply for designation by the local authority and satisfy criteria relating to its social, economic and environmental aims and local membership. Only one neighbourhood forum can be designated for each neighbourhood area. A designation lasts for five years unless a planning authority has reason to withdraw the designation.
Membership criteria
Membership of the forum should be drawn from different places in the neighbourhood area and from different sections of the community. The forum needs to have at least one resident, one worker and one elected member. Membership must be open to the following categories:
- individuals who live in the neighbourhood area
- individuals who work there (whether for business carried on there or otherwise)
- individuals who are elected members of any county council, district council or London borough whose area falls within the neighbourhood concerned.
Membership must include A MINIMUM OF 21 INDIVIDUALS who fit one or more of the above categories
The organisation or body (i.e. the neighbourhood forum) must also have a written constitution: EXAMPLE.
Once all the criteria and conditions have been met, the local planning authority should be able to recognise the neighbourhood forum designation. If for any reason, it happens that the conditions and criteria are no longer met, the local authority can withdraw a neighbourhood forum designation, but must give reasons to the organisation or body.
Produce a programme for developing the plan
Develop a communications strategy
4. Develop a Vision and establish
the key issues and potential options
Refer to What issues could be referenced in the plan? Wouldn't it be better to leave planning to the Council?
Refer also to How does a Neighbourhood Plan fit in with a Local Plan?
* Gather together relevant information (area profile / population dat, relevant sections from City Plan background studies etc)
City Plan Part One March 2016
City Plan Part Two October 2022
National Planning Policy Framework December 2024
Urban characterisation statement for Round Hill
* Identify the area's strengths and weaknesses
* Draft the vision and issues and options
* Check for conformity with the strategic policies in the development plan
* Consult / check draft vision, issues, options and objectives with community
5. Developing the Plan * Develop policies
* Develop an implementation plan
* Finalise draft of the RH Neighbourhood Plan
* Check for conformity with the strategic policies in the development plan
* Consult / check draft RH Neighbourhood Plan with community and other stakeholders
6. Statutory Stages
Independent
Submit to Brighton and Hove City Council
Examination
* Appointment of independent examiner
* Examiner's report
Referendum
Brighton and Hove Council co-ordinates a local referendum
Adoption
If simple majority support plan at referendum, the Council is to adopt the neighbourhood plan (forming part of the development plan).
Has Round Hill got the human resources and interest to develop a neighbourhood plan?
Round Hill has demonstrated both community interest and some foundational capacity that could support the development of a neighbourhood plan.
Community Interest and Engagement
The Round Hill Society (RHS) has been proactive in fostering community cohesion. Notably, the 2011 Round Hill Community Project, in collaboration with the University of Brighton, aimed to understand residents' needs and enhance local engagement. This initiative included surveys and community events, leading to actions like a community clean-up, indicating a willingness among residents to participate in local development efforts.
Human Resources and Capacity
While the RHS has an active committee and has engaged with academic partners, there have been challenges in sustaining volunteer involvement. For instance, during the 2011 project, recruiting student volunteers proved difficult, which limited the scope of planned activities. This highlights the need for a broader base of committed individuals to undertake the comprehensive process of developing a neighbourhood plan.
Conclusion
In summary, Round Hill possesses a foundation of community interest and some organisational structures that could support the development of a neighbourhood plan. However, to move forward effectively, it would be beneficial to:
- Expand volunteer participation to ensure a diverse and sustainable working group.
- Seek partnerships with local authorities and organisations for technical support and guidance.
- Engage the broader community to ensure the plan reflects collective aspirations.
Levels and types of activity
Members of a neighbourhood forum are generally expected to be actively engaged, but the level of involvement can vary depending on the individual's role, capacity, and the stage of the neighbourhood planning process. Here's a breakdown of what's typically expected:
Minimum Expectations (All Members)
Stay Informed: Read updates, meeting notes, and communications. Provide Input: Attend occasional meetings or consultations to share views. Support Consultation Efforts: Help promote community engagement (e.g., spreading the word, inviting neighbours).
Active Contributors
Regular Attendance: Join regular meetings and workshops. Participate in Task Groups: Help with specific aspects like housing, transport, green space, etc. Review and Draft Documents: Comment on drafts of the neighbourhood plan. Engage with Stakeholders: Talk to residents, businesses, and local authorities to gather input.
Core Organisers / Steering Group
These members are typically very active and may take on leadership or coordination roles. Their responsibilities often include: Project management: Setting timelines and coordinating activities. Writing the Plan: Drafting or overseeing professional consultants. Conducting Evidence Gathering: Surveys, data collection, site visits. Managing Consultation & Publicity: Organising events, liaising with press or social media. Compliance and Legal Checks: Ensuring the plan meets legal and policy requirements.
Flexibility and Voluntary Nature
It's important to remember: Participation is voluntary. Forums are often made up of local residents with varying amounts of time and experience. The more active members, the less burden on each person.
This page was last updated by Ted on 26-May-2025