Explanatory note

The Localism Act 2011 inserts provisions into the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (“the Act”) in relation to neighbourhood development orders and into the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 in relation to neighbourhood development plans. Before an order or plan can come into force a referendum, and in the case of a designated business area, an additional referendum, must be held.

A person is entitled to vote in a referendum under paragraph 14 of Schedule 4B to the Act if on the prescribed date the person would be entitled to vote in a local government election for the area (or in a Greater London Authority election if the area is in the City of London). A person is entitled to vote in an additional referendum under paragraph 15 of Schedule 4B to the Act if on the prescribed date the person is a non-domestic ratepayer in the referendum area.

Regulation 2 prescribes the date for the purposes of paragraphs 14(4) and (6) and 15(3) of Schedule 4B to the Act as the date on which the referendum or additional referendum is held.

An impact assessment has not been prepared in relation to these Regulations as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.