The Community Right to Build is a set of proposals that would give local communities the power to decide what is built in their area. The new powers would mean that where developments for new houses, community facilities or shops have the agreement of the local area through a ‘community referendum’, and meet a minimum criterion, communities will not need to go through the normal planning application process.

This will give communities the freedom to decide how to meet the local priorities in their area, and allow new homes, shops, businesses or facilities to be built where they want them. Communities would be able to decide the type of developments and housing they want to see, and the benefits would be retained for the community – managed by a corporate body formed by members of the local community.

Whilst it will be for communities to identify suitable land, sources of finance and secure support for their proposals, there will be help and guidance in available, and advice from people who already have experience of taking forward community-led schemes.

For Frequently Asked Questions on this, please click here.