Guidance

How to write planning policies for a neighbourhood plan

This guidance shows how to write planning policies which will address the issues that matter to your neighbourhood.

From:
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Published
31 March 2026

Applies to England

Documents

How to write planning policies for a neighbourhood plan

PDF, 581 KB, 26 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@communities.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This guidance covers:

  • what makes a good planning policy
  • what a planning policy can and cannot cover
  • how to draft a good planning policy
  • issues around the use of planning policies
  • how to test your policies once drafted

Updates to this page

Published 31 March 2026

Sign up for emails or print this page