Neighbourhood Planning

Neighbourhood Planning Grant Fund

Harborough District Council has launched a £50,000 Neighbourhood Planning Grant Fund to support parish councils, town councils and neighbourhood forums preparing a new neighbourhood plan or reviewing an existing one. Grants of up to £10,000 per project are available. 

The fund has been introduced following the withdrawal of government neighbourhood planning grants and is designed to help communities continue shaping the future of their local area. 

Expressions of Interest are being sought until 18 September 2026.

• Read the Neighbourhood Plan Grant Guidance
• Read the application form

Link to online form

Neighbourhood Planning Grant Expression of Interest and Guidance – Fill in form

What can the funding be used for?

Funding can support activities including:

• Community engagement and consultation. 
• Evidence gathering and technical studies. 
• Planning consultancy and specialist advice. 
• Drafting and reviewing planning policies. 
• Venue hire, publicity, printing and project websites. 

Who can apply?

Applications are welcomed from eligible parish councils, town councils and neighbourhood forums within Harborough District. Funding is available for both new plans and reviews of adopted neighbourhood plans. 

How to apply

Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest and provide a project plan outlining activities, costs, milestones and timescales. Applications will be assessed against eligibility, value for money and the project's ability to progress neighbourhood planning work. 

Funding is limited and will be awarded subject to available budget. The Council aims to assess applications within 21 working days of the Expression of Interest window closing. 

For further information, contact neighbourhoodplans@harborough.gov.uk.