Approval for plans
When an examiner recommends that a draft neighbourhood plan can proceed we will organise and pay for a referendum.
Referendum
The rules for referendums are set out in government regulations. The referendum must ask the following.
"Do you want Thurrock Council to use the neighbourhood plan for [insert name of neighbourhood plan area] to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?"
Anyone registered to vote in the area covered by a neighbourhood plan will be entitled to take part. If more than 50% of those who vote are in favour of a neighbourhood plan, we will use it when deciding future planning applications in the area.
Legal force
Once a neighbourhood plan is in force following a successful referendum, it carries real legal weight.
We must, however, consider proposals for development in the neighbourhood that may be against the plan.