In today’s planning environment, collaboration is not a luxury — it is essential. Whether navigating neighbourhood planning, or engaging with developers and local authorities, in many cases it falls to town and parish councils to ensure that decisions made about the future of its settlement delivers local community value. Some go as far as bringing together residents, local authorities and developers to shape shared futures. Something devolution will make more important.

Deddington's neighbourhood plan chose to allocate above their dwelling number to secure a nursery a public car park.

How can NDOs transform community spaces? Blacon, Cheshire explore their options to creative community hubs and fulfil local need.