West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin last week organised a neighbourhood planning event for parish and district councils. The MP invited John Howell MP, who is an expert in planning strategy and has advised Government ministers in the creation of the Government's planning policy overhaul to speak at the event. The group also heard from Angie Paterson, who is district councillor in charge of planning in South Oxfordshire and was responsible for adopting one of the first neighbourhood plans, drafted by Thame town council. Andrew Whitaker, from the National Home Builders' Federation also spoke on behalf of property developers. Harriett commented: "I am grateful to the speakers for giving us a great practical insight into the development of a neighbourhood plan. "Neighbourhood planning gives each parish the chance to shape local development, provided it is in conformity with the overall local plan. "It was also to useful to hear from the developers' perspective and I hope that attendees learned that the builders are keen to get involved in helping communities with their neighbourhood plans. "It is also clear that the developers are willing to share some of the future profits and could well invest in resources like community centres, sports facilities or even infrastructure improvements." Harriett added: "With a Neighbourhood Plan, each parish can agree and designate where it wants to see development. Provided it is agreed in a local referendum, it becomes the blueprint for the local area. "I think there is more to do to create a 'bottom-up' plan that gives power back to local communities and allows lots of small, organic development and reduces the need for vast urban extensions. "I hope by bringing together the local planning representatives in a forum with some national experts, we were able to have a good constructive discussion on an important local issue. "I will also be raising with Ministers the importance of a swift adoption of our South Worcestershire Development Plan."