Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan

Information on the Ringstead Neighbourhood Development Plan

Latest news

‘Making’ (adopting) Neighbourhood Plan for Ringstead

The Ringstead Neighbourhood Development Plan passed at the referendum on 13 February 2025 (see below). A total of 77.8 % votes were received in favour of adoption of the Neighbourhood plan, meaning that the Borough Council is required to “make” (adopt, or bring into legal force) the Neighbourhood Plan for Ringstead Parish. The Adoption Statement is available to download below:

• Adoption Statement, 20 February 2025

The adopted Ringstead Neighbourhood Development Plan 2021– 2036 is available below.

Completed Plans

Previous stages

Referendum

The community referendum for the Parish of Ringstead was held on 13 February 2025, to determine whether the Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan 2021-2036 should be made (adopted) by the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

The result of the referendum was 77.8% in favour for adoption of a Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan.

The results of the referendum are available on our Ringstead Neighbourhood Planning Referendum 2025 page.

The referendum information pack and supporting appendices are available to download below:

• Referendum Information Pack
• Appendix 1 - Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan 2021-2036 referendum version
• Appendix 2 - Examiner’s Report
• Appendix 5 - Decision Statement (November 2024)

Further details about the Neighbourhood Plan referendum on 13 February 2025, can be found on our Neighbourhood Planning referendums page.

Decision Stage

Ringstead Parish Council and the Borough Council accepted all the Examiner’s recommendations that represent a material change to the Plan. The modifications proposed by the Examiner are set out in Appendix 1 of the Decision Statement alongside the Borough Council’s decision (supported by the Parish Council) in response to each recommendation and the reasons for them. The Decision Statement, issued on 28 November 2024, can be viewed below.

• Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan 2021-2036 - Decision on Examiner’s recommendations

The Decision Statement, issued under Regulation 18A, allows the Neighbourhood Plan to proceed to referendum.

Publication of Neighbourhood Plan Examiner’s Report

The Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan Examiner’s Report was published on 21 October 2024 and is now available to view. The report highlights Examiners conclusions and suggests that, subject to a series of recommended modifications set out in his Report, the Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan meets all the necessary legal requirements and should progress to a referendum. To view the report, proceed to the following link:

• Ringstead Neighbourhood Development Plan - Examiners Report

Neighbourhood Plan examination

In September 2024, the Borough Council, in agreement with Rinsgtead Parish Council (Qualifying Body) appointed Chris Collison to examine the Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan. The examination tested whether the Neighbourhood Plan fulfils the basic conditions and that the Plan:

1. Has regard to national policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State;
2. Contributes to the achievement of sustainable development;
3. Is in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan in the area;
4. Is compatible with European Union (EU) obligations and European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR); and
5. Does not breach the requirements of Chapter 8 of Part 6 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

The examination concluded with publication of the Examiners Report on 24 October 2024.

In September 2024, the Examiner has issued an Initial Letter, which explains how the examination will be conducted.

The documents below have been produced in association with the examination:

• Email from Ringstead Parish Council (1 October 2024)

Following the receipt of Regulation 15 Neighbourhood Plan (NP) submission, as a relevant local planning authority, we consulted on the submitted NP in advance of the independent examination, under Regulation 16.

The Regulation 16 Consultation ran from 14 June to 26 July 2024. Representations in response to the Regulation 16 are available to view below:

Regulation 16 Representations:

• Anglian Water
• Environmental Agency
• Historic England
• Holme Next-the-Sea
• NCC and LLFA
• Norfolk Wildlife Trust
• Sedgeford Parish Council

Submission of Plan Regulation 15

Ringstead Parish Council submitted their Neighbourhood Plan to the Council in 22 April 2024 in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Regulation 15. Following that, Borough council issued Regulation 15 (Legal Check Letter) allowing the Neighbourhood Plan to proceed to consultation under Regulation 16.

The Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan documents submitted under Regulation 15:

• Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan (NP)
• Ringstead NP Basic Conditions Statement
• Ringstead NP Consultation Statement
• Ringstead NP Environmental Report
• Ringstead NP Habitats Regulation Assessment

Supporting Documents

• Ringstead NP Design Guidance and Codes
• Ringstead NP Green Space Assessment
• Ringstead NP Heritage Assessment
• Ringstead NP Housing Needs Assessment
• Ringstead NP Views Assessment

Regulation 14

The draft Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan was consulted upon by the Parish Council from 22 January 2024 to 1 March 2024, inclusive, under the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Regulation 14.

More information is available on Ringstead Parish Council`s Neighbourhood Planning page.