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  1. Welcome to Planning Portal
  2. Do you need permission?
  3. Common projects
  4. Neighbourhood planning
  5. Community Right to Build

Neighbourhood planning

Community Right to Build
  1. Introduction
  2. Community Right to Build
  3. Community Infrastructure Levy
  4. New Homes Bonus scheme
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Community Right to Build

The Localism Act also allows for community organisations to bring forward a ‘community right to build order’ which is a type of neighbourhood development order.

This allows certain community organisations to bring forward smaller-scale development on a specific site, without the need for planning permission. This gives communities the freedom to develop, for instance, small-scale housing and other facilities that they want.

Any benefit from this development stays within the community to be used for the community's benefit, for example, to maintain affordable housing stock or to provide and maintain local facilities such as playgrounds and village halls.

Community right to build orders are subject to a limited number of exclusions, such as proposals needing to fall below certain thresholds so that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required. Proposals are subject to testing by an independent person and a community referendum.

Find out more on the Community Rights website1.

Find a Trade Professional

Use our partner directories to find a planning or building professional to help with your project or development.

Find a professional (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/find-a-trade-professional)

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Useful links

Make an application (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/app/applications)

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Speak to an expert (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/planning-guidance-service)

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Studio Charrette consultancy calculator (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/home-improvement/planning-consultancy-calculator)

Studio Charrette consultancy calculator

Sell your site with Land Match (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/commercial-developments/sell-your-site)

Sell your site with Land Match
    1. https://mycommunity.org.uk/

    Disclaimer

    This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. Guidance is based on national rules, but additional local rules may also affect what permissions are needed. You should check if this is the case before applying or starting work.
    Guidance here relates to the planning regime for England, the policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your local planning authority. Please note, local authorities may charge a fee for pre-application advice.
    Read our full disclaimer1.

    1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/terms-and-disclaimer/terms-and-conditions


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      The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.