Groundwork is working with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to provide both grant and technical support for local communities that are drawing up a neighbourhood plan for their area. The following support is available:

• A basic grant of between £1,000 and £10,000 for groups writing a neighbourhood plan or neighbourhood development order
• An additional grant of up to £8,000 is available for groups facing more complex issues, giving a maximum total amount of £18,000
• Plus specific packages of technical support where needed.

Town and parish councils, neighbourhood forums and prospective neighbourhood forums preparing a neighbourhood development plan or neighbourhood development order in England may apply.

The fund can be used to help with putting together a project plan; help with developing the evidence base and analysing it to identify issues and aims for the plan or order; undertaking a housing survey; engaging a facilitator to help with capacity building, for community consultation or workshops; developing a website; engaging a planning expert to help draft policies; support for making site allocations and contribution to required specialist studies along with other technical aspects of creating a neighbourhood plan.

Deadline: There is a two-stage application process. The first stage is to complete an expression of interest form, which will generate the relevant application form. This needs to be completed within 15 days.

Full details are available on their website: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/mhclg-neighbourhood-planning/