The consultation activities are all contributing to the development of the Neighbourhood Plan which are identified on the Consultation page. But through the various consultation activities there are a number of subjects that have been raised which are outside the scope of the Neighbourhood Plan.
1. What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led planning document that sets out a vision and planning policies for a local area. Once approved, it becomes part of the statutory development plan used to help decide planning applications. See more
2. Why is a Neighbourhood Plan important?
It gives local people a stronger voice in shaping future development, protecting valued areas, improving facilities, and influencing where homes, businesses, and infrastructure should go. See more
3. Who prepares the Neighbourhood Plan?
The plan is usually prepared by a Parish or Town Council, or a designated neighbourhood forum, working with residents, businesses, landowners, and community groups. Toddington has a group of volunteers working on the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, (NPSG) and is sponsored by the Parish Council.
4. Does a Neighbourhood Plan stop development?
No. A Neighbourhood Plan cannot stop development altogether, but it can guide where development should happen, what it should look like, and what local priorities should be addressed.
5. Can a Neighbourhood Plan prevent housing growth?
A plan cannot propose fewer homes than required by strategic planning policies from the local authority. However, it can influence the location, design, and type of housing.
6. What kinds of issues can a Neighbourhood Plan cover?
It can include housing, design and character, green spaces, heritage, transport and parking, community facilities, walking and cycling, local business and employment, and environmental protection. See more about the plan
7. How long does it take to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan?
Typically, between 2 and 4 years, depending on the size of the area, complexity of issues, evidence gathering, and community engagement. The NPSG has already been operating for over 16 months. See more about the Timeline
8. Will residents be consulted?
Yes. Community consultation is a key part of the process. Residents, businesses, landowners, and local organisations are encouraged to contribute ideas and feedback throughout and have already been consulted. The NPSG held public meetings in June and July 2025 and regularly contribute to the Village Magazine and through our Facebook page and this website. See more about consultations.
9. How can I get involved?
You can attend public meetings and events, complete surveys, comment on draft policies, join working groups, and share local knowledge and ideas. You can also comment via our website, either via one of the Consultations or by sending us a message.
10. What evidence is needed for a Neighbourhood Plan?
Plans are supported by evidence such as housing needs assessments, traffic and parking studies, environmental reports, heritage assessments, community surveys, and census data.
11. What is the difference between a Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan?
The Local Plan is prepared by the local planning authority, Central Bedfordshire Council, and covers the wider council area. A Neighbourhood Plan focuses on a smaller local area, our parish, but must align with strategic Local Plan policies.
12. Does the Neighbourhood Plan become legally binding?
Yes. Once approved through referendum and formally adopted by the local authority, it becomes part of the statutory development plan.
13. What is a neighbourhood area designation?
It is the formal approval of the geographic area covered by the Neighbourhood Plan by the local planning authority, in our case the Toddington Parish.
14. What is a Regulation 14 consultation?
This is the formal consultation stage where the draft Neighbourhood Plan is published for public comment before submission to the local authority.
15. What happens after the plan is submitted?
The local authority checks the submission, carries out further consultation, appoints an independent examiner, and arranges a referendum if the plan passes examination.
16. What is the independent examination?
An independent examiner reviews the plan to ensure it meets legal requirements and national planning policy.
17. What is the referendum?
A local vote where eligible residents decide whether the Neighbourhood Plan should be adopted. More than 50% of those voting must support the plan.
18. How long does a Neighbourhood Plan last?
Most plans cover a period of 10–20 years, although they can be reviewed and updated if circumstances change.
19. Can the Neighbourhood Plan allocate sites for development?
Yes. A plan can identify land for housing, employment, community uses, green spaces, or other forms of development if supported by evidence.
20. What happens if there is no Neighbourhood Plan?
Without one, planning decisions rely mainly on national and local authority planning policies, giving the community less influence over local development.
Specific feedback
Why has there been no development on the site of the former Annapuna Centre (next to Village Hall on Leighton Road)? Could it be used as additional parking for school pickup/drop off in the short term?
Once approved the Neighbourhood Plan will be a consideration in planning decisions. At this stage the plan does not exist. The Parish Council are in discussion with Central Bedfordshire Council who own the site.
Will the Neighbourhood Plan address the speeding and parking issues in the village?
Where there is new development following adoption of the Neighbourhood Plan then these issues will be considered against the Aims of the Plan but the Parish Council and Central Bedfordshire Council need to deal with the existing challenges