The three neighbourhood forums in Torbay (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Peninsula) have applied to renew their status as 'Qualifying Bodies' (i.e. neighbourhood forums) and their associated Neighbourhood Area. Consultation closed on Monday 20 November 2017.

The applications can still be viewed on the relevant Neighbourhood Plan page:

• Brixham
• Paignton
• Torquay

Please note: when forums are designated, no other organisation may be designated in that neighbourhood area until that designation expires or is withdrawn.

Background Information

Torbay has three neighbourhood forums, one each for Torquay, Paignton and Brixham Peninsula (which includes Brixham, Churston, Galmpton and Broadsands). The forums were designated by full Council on 6 December 2012. This designation lasts for 5 years (i.e. to 7 December 2017).

Neighbourhood forums are empowered to prepare neighbourhood development plans, local development orders and to comment on planning applications. Their primary role in Torbay is to prepare neighbourhood plans. All three Plans have been submitted to us and are currently the subject of consultation.

Neighbourhood forums were created by the Localism Act 2011. Schedule 9 Section 61F sets out requirements for the designation of forums (which the legislation refers to as “qualifying bodies”). The Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017 also contains legislation on neighbourhood plans.

The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) sets out detailed requirements for neighbourhood planning. Regulations 5 to 11 deal with forum designation. This consultation is made under Regulation 9.