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Planning

Neighbourhood Planning

In this section you will find the following information:
In this section
Neighbourhood Planning

The Localism Act 2011 introduced a new element to the planning system for England in the form of Neighbourhood Planning. Neighbourhood Planning sits within the strategic focus of the South Worcestershire Development Plan. Neighbourhood Planning allows a partnership of communities including businesses, residents and interested parties to develop policies that, subject to an independent examination and community referendum, will become part of the planning framework for land uses in their local area.

pdf Neighbourhood Planning in Malvern Hills Map (2.23 MB)

Latest Neighbourhood Planning News

Welland - Following a positive referendum on 7th March 2024 the Welland Neighbourhood Plan has now become part of the statutory development plan. The making of the Neighbourhood Plan will be formally considered by the Council on 9th April 2024.

At its meeting on 9 April 2024, Malvern Hills District Council "made" (adopted) the Welland Neighbourhood Plan so that it is part of the statutory Development Plan for Malvern Hills District, sitting alongside the South Worcestershire Development Plan and other material considerations in determining planning applications in the parish of Welland.

Leigh and Bransford - At its meeting on 29 November 2022, Malvern Hills District Council "made" (adopted) the Leigh and Bransford Neighbourhood Plan so that it is part of the statutory Development Plan for Malvern Hills District, sitting alongside the South Worcestershire Development Plan and other material considerations in determining planning applications in the parishes of Leigh and Bransford.

Made (adopted) Neighbourhood Plans

Neighbourhood Plans at Referendum stage

Welland Neighbourhood Plan - The Referendum will be held on Thursday, 7 March 2024. [link to webpage]

Neighbourhood Plans at Examination stage

Hallow Neighbourhood Plan Review - Andrew Ashcroft has been appointed to examine the Hallow Neighbourhood Plan Review. [link to webpage]

Submitted Neighbourhood Plans

  • Hallow Neighbourhood Plan Review was submitted to Malvern Hills District Council in September and the Regulation 16 Consultation took place between Friday 22 September - Friday 10 November 2023.

Draft Neighbourhood Plans

Designated Neighbourhood Areas

Please note that once a draft Neighbourhood Plan consultation gets underway, the link is removed from the Designated Neighbourhood Areas section and moved through the stages.

  • Alfrick and Lulsley - Neighbourhood Area designated on 24 September 2013
  • Eldersfield - Neighbourhood Area designated on 19 September 2019
  • Great Witley and Hillhampton - Neighbourhood Area designated on 24 December 2014
  • Malvern Wells - Neighbourhood Area designated on 10 March 2017
  • Powick – Neighbourhood Area designated on 16 June 2020
  • Rushwick – Neighbourhood Area designated on 17 August 2018
  • Tenbury Town and Burford - Neighbourhood Area designated on 17 March 2016
  • Upton upon Severn - Neighbourhood Area designated on 5 March 2015

Useful Neighbourhood Planning Information

Malvern Hills Neighbourhood Planning Guide

We have produced a guide to developing a Neighbourhood Plan which details the stages of the Neighbourhood Plan process and the support available to Parish/Town Councils who wish to develop a Neighbourhood Plan.

pdf Guide to Developing a Neighbourhood Plan (226 KB)

SWDP Strategic Policies for the purpose of Neighbourhood Planning

One of the basic conditions that a draft Neighbourhood Plan must meet if it is to proceed to referendum is that it is in general conformity with strategic policies in the development plan. We have prepared a list of the Strategic Policies in the South Worcestershire Development Plan for the purposes of neighbourhood planning.

pdf SWDP Strategic Policies for the purposes of Neighbourhood Planning (258 KB)

Funding available for Neighbourhood Planning

An initial grant of £10,000 is available for all Neighbourhood Plan groups to support the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan, with a further £8,000 available to groups with more complex issues (including allocating housing and preparation of design codes). This money must be applied for directly by the Neighbourhood Plan group, Parish Council or Town Council. Further information can be found on the Locality website.

Groups may also wish to apply for a Big Lottery Fund Awards for All grant of between £300 and £10,000, which must be spent on activities that benefit the community, including hosting an event, purchasing equipment, running training courses and professional fees.

Further information and support for Neighbourhood Planning

Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional planning advice to communities and individuals who cannot afford to pay professional fees. Through funding from Communities and Local Government, the organisation has set up a useful website for people to share their experiences around ‘Neighbourhood Planning'. Our Neighbourhood Planning website includes a forum to support people and communities who are using new powers under the Localism Act 2011 to create neighbourhood plans. The website has forums and discussion groups about preparing a neighbourhood plan, provides opportunity to learn about what is happening in other areas, how to liaise with local planning authorities and advice on community engagement. There are also useful resources and information about neighbourhood planning events in England.

Rural Services Network and Know My Area can help in the collation of evidence for the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan.

If you would like further advice or support in the preparation of your Neighbourhood Plan please contact the Policy Team by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone using 01684 862 370.