The Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017 makes provision for:

- Neighbourhood Planning
- Local Development Documents
- Planning Conditions
- Permitted Development Rights Relating To Drinking Establishments
- Development of New Towns By Local Authorities
- Planning Register
- Compulsory Purchase

The Act aims to reduce the time lag between planning permission being granted and work starting on site, reflected in the provisions regarding planning conditions.

Once the provisions are commenced, the circumstances under which pre-commencement conditions may be imposed without an applicant’s consent, and conditions that are prohibited, will be set out in regulations. This will simply reinforces the existing policy tests and best practice as generally discussions regarding the conditions to be attached to planning permissions already take place between applicants and local planning authorities.

In addition the Act also incorporates provisions allowing the modification of a Neighbourhood Development Order or Neighbourhood Plan and a strengthened requirement for Local Planning Authorities to provide advice or assistance for Neighbourhood Plan proposals.

Finally one of the other most publicised elements of the Act relates to the removal of permitted development rights from pubs (A4 use class). This provision is intended to strengthen planning protection for these community assets.