HCA grants funding for Mid Sussex Community Right to Build Orders

The first Order is for 76 new homes, half of which will be affordable. The second Order is for a new multi-functional community centre and a bowling green. The Orders, which are part of the Parish Council's Neighbourhood Plan, have been subject to consultations with the local community, stakeholders and statutory authorities.

Community Right to Build Orders were introduced as part of the neighbourhood planning provisions in the Localism Act as an alternative to applications for planning permission. The scheme aims to put the power to grant planning permission in the hands of communities and help them achieve the development they want.

"The Orders offer the Parish Council the opportunity to make clear the full details of the Plan's flagship proposals with the local community, rather than leave this to later planning applications," said the Parish Council's Neighbourhood Plan Committee chair Chris Hinchey in a statement. "These proposals are central to achieving the community’s vision for the parish," he added.

“The Community Right to Build Orders in Slaugham demonstrate how local communities can have a real influence on the development that happens around them," said HCA strategy manager Becky Ashley.

"The £14m Community Right to Build fund administered by the HCA is available to help Community groups and Parish Councils to formally establish, boost their capacity and to build up their development proposals and submit a Community Right to Build Order. It’s important to us that we are able to support initiatives like this, which are vital to delivering the right schemes in the right places,” she said.