New section 61I: Neighbourhood areas in areas of two or more local planning authorities
269.New section 61I allows for neighbourhood areas to be designated which cross local planning authority boundaries. It also provides the Secretary of State with regulation-making powers to adapt the provisions in the Act relating to neighbourhood planning to ensure the appropriate operation of neighbourhood planning in such areas. For example, regulations could specify that local planning authorities must consult each other before deciding whether to approve a plan or order for referendum or that they may only take such a decision when acting jointly through a committee.