Q:I have lived and worked in St Albans for over 20 years and my children go to school here. I have seen many changes in the number and type of buildings and development proposals generally. I think that the time has come for the local voice to be heard but I am confused by this new word “localism”. Does it really mean that neighbourhoods will have a greater role in planning decisions than they have now?

A:Bernadette Hillman, partner and Head of Planning at Debenhams Ottaway replies: The Localism bill is not yet law but the principles which have been set out look likely to remain even if the details change. The latest Budget statements have confirmed the Government’s aims: to reform the planning system and to give neighbourhoods and local businesses a far greater say.

As a local resident, this can be done either through your local parish council or a neighbourhood forum. Where residential properties sit alongside businesses and other non-residential users, greater weight will be given to your views, particularly for large-scale major planning applications where there is likely to be a legal requirement for pre-application consultation. Another interesting addition will be the concept of the “local referendum” which can be demanded of the local council by five per cent of the population of a relevant area and you would be able to vote on a specific application, allocation or type of development. So a “say no to a waste transfer station” vote would not be out of the question.

The local council will also be required to maintain a list of assets which are nominated by the “community” to be of community value. This will mean that there will be restrictions on their disposal.

So, yes, neighbourhoods will have more say but it is important that decisions are made on behalf of everyone within the neighbourhood for the good of the wider community to make sure that important issues such as climate change, environmental protection, design quality and affordable housing are not forgotten in the decision-making process. How to make your voice heard and how to make the right decision needs careful thought and guidance.