Community Planning Framework

Community planning is about creating a shared vision of community identified priorities that lead to a programme of actions that local agencies, organisations and groups are committed to.

It involves the following key elements:

• an outward focus as to the needs of the community as a whole;
• the integration of forward planning processes between (and within) public authorities in the area;
• full engagement and participation by the community and partner organisations in identifying objectives, preparing strategies and in delivery/implementation.

The long-term vision - typically covering 10 to 15 years - that promotes the economic, social and environmental well being of an area is enshrined in a Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS).  This essentially tells the "story of the place", backed by clear evidence and analysis.

The short-term improvement targets that subsequently drive the delivery of the SCS are outlined in a Local Area Agreement (LAA) which represents a contractual arrangement between that area and the Government.

The Local Development Framework (LDF), which sets statutory requirements on planning and development control, is the spatial expression of the SCS.

These three - together with complementary plans that focus on particular themes, geographical sub-divisions and communities of identity - form the basis of the Community Planning Framework for Northumberland.  This hierarchy is outlined in more detail here .