Community consultations are increasingly important to the running and growth of rural communities in Britain. They find out how a village or town feels about itself - its strengths, its weaknesses and how its residents want it to develop in the future. Everyone in the community has a say in the consultation's outcome, which will influence local planning decisions and the county-wide structure plan.

Community Led Planning (CLP) is a step-by-step process that enables every citizen to participate in, and contribute to improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of their local area. Already undertaken by approximately 4,000 communities across England, it represents an unparalleled opportunity for people to take responsibility for making things happen locally, rather than waiting on others to do it for them. This unique approach to community empowerment has been developed and refined in rural areas since the late 1970s, largely as a response to the gradual withdrawal of public sector services and the increasing need for communities to look after their own affairs.

Over the years, Community Led Plans have taken on different names including Village Appraisals, Parish Plans, Market Town Action Plans and more recently, Neighbourhood Plans. These have developed their own particular characteristics, tending to be used in different geographical contexts.

One of the defining characteristics of all Community Led Plans is they are not imposed from above, but instead initiated and led by local volunteers who steer their community through a step-by-step process that can be summarised as ‘LEAD’.

LEAD refers to a logical sequence of activities that should be undertaken by community groups to produce Community Led Plans that achieve high rates of participation, are linked in with local service providers and result in well-researched actions that can be implemented to meet local needs.

A national toolkit produced by ACRE is used by RCAN practitioners to guide community groups through the LEAD process. Nine steps are outlined, each providing practical advice and resources that help to make the production of any plan a manageable endeavour.

ACRE believes that Community Led Planning (CLP) can build the ‘Big Society’. With so many people coming together and volunteering their time and energy to help shape the future of their community, this approach to community empowerment is generating a stronger, more sustainable society that is less reliant to get things done.

Making the most of Community Led Planning: a best practice guide for local authorities, produced by ACRE.  This guide examines the practical ways that local authorities have already sought to empower communities to take action locally by making the most of Community Led Planning (CLP). The guide is essential reading for anyone who wants to know how localism can work in practice – where communities are supported to come together, research and then implement a plan of action that contributes to the overall wellbeing and sustainability of their neighbourhood.

Every village and parish in England has its own distinctive and characterful historic streets, buildings and landscapes and a wealth of fascinating archaeological remains. This history makes each place cherished and unique but how can local people make sure their heritage is taken into account in the planning system? Knowing YourPlace: Heritage and Community-Led Planning in the Countryside is new advice published by English Heritage in partnership with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE). It is available at www.helm.org.uk/communityplanning. It provides straightforward “plain English” advice to help access information on local history and to identify what matters about it and why. It will help communities to ensure their heritage contributes to their aspirations for the future.

Find out more about the benefits of Parish Plans and a step-by-step guide to the Parish Planning process.

Warwickshire County Council run a small grants scheme for projects taking place in Stratford on Avon District. For more information please contact: Amanda Wilson-Patterson, Warwickshire County Council Stratford Area office 01789 260135. Funding for Parish Plans may be considered.

The Countryside Agency have produced a guide to Parish Plans for Town & Parish Councils.

Awards For All England is a small grants scheme making awards of between £300 and £10,000 for a specific project or activity by community or not for profit groups.  The programme aims to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need and accepts applications for Parish Plan funding.

The Design Council has a list of useful toolkits and guidance on their website relating to Neighbourhood Plans.

The Planning Advisory Service have produced a guide to neighbourhood planning for ward councillors which anyone may find helpful:.

ACRE have produced a briefing paper on 'Neighbourhood Plans and the Localism Bill'.