What is the role of Stafford At Stafford Borough Council, there is a Borough Council in dedicated Neighbourhood Planning Officer who will provide additional preparing a support to help guide you through the Neighbourhood Plan? neighbourhood planning process and assist with the preparation of a The Neighbourhood Planning Neighbourhood Plan. This includes: (General) Regulations 2012 require statutory duties to be fulfilled by local • Provide an introductory session planning authorities in order for a to Neighbourhood Forums and Neighbourhood Plan to be made Parish Council’s about (adopted). These duties include: Neighbourhood Planning and the processes involved  Conduct public consultations • Provide guidance on and make decisions on whether appropriate consultation and to approve a Neighbourhood community engagement Area and approve applications techniques and how to access to set up neighbourhood forums financial support where applicable. • Provide guidance and advice on  Conduct a health check on the preparing robust evidence base Pre-submission Neighbourhood to support plans Plan to ensure it satisfies the • Provide maps to assist with the legal requirements and basic presentation of plans and conditions signpost groups to access  Publicise Neighbourhood Plans technical evidence and invite representations prior • Attend working group meetings to Independent Examination to assist in development of plan  Appoint an Examiner, submit • Provide support and guidance the Pre-Submission on how to write planning Neighbourhood Plan to the policies Examiner and organise an • Facilitate Neighbourhood Plan independent examination (if Support Group meetings for all necessary) groups and provide guidance on  Consider the Examiner’s Report how to satisfy the legal and make a decision to adopt or requirements and the Basic refuse the Neighbourhood Plan Conditions  Publicise Examiners Report and • Share good practice and the Council’s decision examiners report from other statement and arrange public authorities. referendum.  Following a successful referendum, Make (adopt) the Neighbourhood Plan and bring this into force.