New government regulations introduced in March 2026 change how neighbourhood plans operate, including Hazelwood’s.
The key change is that neighbourhood plans can no longer be used to block or reduce housing development needed across the wider local authority area.
For Hazelwood, this means policies protecting rural character, development boundaries, and landscape must not act as a cap on housing delivery.
They can remain in place, but must be applied flexibly to shape development rather than prevent it.
The regulations also introduce stronger requirements to address climate change and to monitor how plans perform.
Cllr Keith Walker, Chair of Hazelwood Parish Council, said:
“These changes mean our neighbourhood plan will need to evolve. We remain committed to protecting Hazelwood’s rural character, while working within the new rules to ensure the plan continues to serve the community effectively.”