What is it?
In the UK, a Parish Priority Statement (PPS) is a document prepared by a town or parish council that outlines the principal needs and prevailing views of the local community. It’s designed to inform the Local Plan Review process.
Here’s what it typically includes:
- Community Vision: A summary of what the parish wants for its future.
- Development Preferences: Types and locations of housing or infrastructure the community supports or opposes.
- Design and Character: Features of local architecture or landscape that should be preserved.
- Environmental Goals: Ideas for nature recovery, green spaces, and climate action.
- Local Economy: Support for businesses and job opportunities.
- Public Spaces & Infrastructure: Needs around transport, broadband, community buildings, and more.
It’s a lighter-touch alternative to a full Neighbourhood Plan, introduced under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, and while it doesn’t carry the same legal weight, local planning authorities are required to “have regard” to it when shaping future development.