ABOUT PARISH PLANS

What is a parish plan?

Think of it as a

PARISH STRATEGY

            OR

PARISH BUSINESS PLAN

It shows:

• information about the parish
• how and why the plan was done
• local problems & opportunities
• how the community wants to develop over about 5-10 years

And reflects the views of ALL sections of the community

What issues are covered by a parish plan?

All those of concern to people in the parish, such as:

§  built environment

§  community information

§  crime

§  education

§  employment

§  health/care

§  heritage

§  housing

§  retail services

§  recycling

§  people

§  sport /recreation

§  landscape

§  public transport

§  tourism

§  community buildings

§  wildlife habitats

§  young/old

§  traffic

§  climate change issues

What does it look like?

• A detailed report which includes an action plan

• Usually produced as a booklet

• Also possibly a summary leaflet

• Electronic formats widely used

What could a parish plan do for YOUR parish?

• Help influence the future of your community
• Demonstrate what your community needs over about 5-10 years
• Provide the evidence to back this up
• Influence development issues
• Provide evidence for funding bids
• Manage change
• Improve community spirit and communication

How does a parish plan fit with other strategies?

Parish plans have no formal status but they do have increasing influence

They can link to:

• Community area plans
• Community strategies
• Development planning
• Strategies and work programmes of service providers

...especially if they have a good consultation process and action plan

Preparing a parish plan involves:

• Consulting widely in the community
• Talking to potential partners and agencies outside the parish
• Setting a realistic and achievable action plan

Who should be involved?

It is prepared by the Community and Parish Council working together

• It is led by a steering group of parishioners (plus 1or 2 from PC)

• Any hard to reach groups such as young people, elderly, shift workers etc

• Everyone who lives or works in the parish should have an opportunity to give their views

• Outside agencies providing services in the parish, neighbouring PCs, Local Authority will also be involved

Getting started

• Get advice FIRST from Community First
• Raise awareness in parish about parish plans
• Get the go ahead at a public meeting
• Recruit volunteers for a steering group
• Community First can provide advice and support for steering group - including Parish Plan Toolkit, training
• Plan how to do it...
• ...and how much it will cost
• Secure funding

Steering Group

• 8-15 people
• Not just Parish Councillors
• Cross-section of community
• Range of skills and experience
• Role is 'project management'
• Steering group don't do everything!

How parish residents can help

• Volunteer for steering group
• Volunteer time or skills
• Volunteer to work on one issue
• Be involved in future events and consultation
• Tell others what is happening

Time and money

• Timescale- about 18 months
• Funding needed for -room hire, refreshments,

publicity, printing, stationery etc

• Total- £1000- £3000

Community First can help with:

• Advice and support to Parish Council and steering group
• Information sheets
• Examples of parish plans
• Help at public meetings
• Consultation tools
• How to involve hard to reach groups
• Workshop events on aspects of parish planning
• ACRE's Parish & Community Planning Toolkit
• Contacts for other groups
• Advice about funding

Marion Rayner

Community Development Manager

mrayner@communityfirst.org.uk

Parish Plan & Community Consultation Direct Web Link: http://www.communityfirst.org.uk/pp-community-consultation.htm

Community First

Wyndhams, St Joseph's Place

Devizes SN10 1DD

Tel: 01380 722475 ext: 245, fax: 01380 728476

www.communityfirst.org.uk