Neighbourhood plans can be used in determining planning applications, and ‘neighbourhood development orders' that grant planning permission; and vote them into force in a referendum.
Through the programme neighbourhood planning groups will be able to apply for grant of up to £14,000 to pay for events to engage the local community, print leaflets and to pay for specialist planning expertise. The support programme runs to 2018 and from April it will also provide community groups with technical assistance and expert advice to support new neighbourhood plans and neighbourhood development orders, throughout the process.
Applications can be submitted at any time. Read more at: http://mycommunity.org.uk/programme/neighbourhood-planning/?_a=funding