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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.

The map below shows current progress on Neighbourhood Planning within Malvern Hills:

pdf Malvern Hills Neighbourhood Planning Progress Map (updated December 2025).pdf (3.26 MB)

Latest Neighbourhood Planning News

Suckley Neighbourhood Area

The District Council designated the parish of Suckley as a Neighbourhood Area, under Regulation 7 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 on 17th June 2025. To find out more information, please visit the Designated Neighbourhood Areas Webpage

 

Great Witley and Hillhampton Neighbourhood Plan Regulation 16 Consultation 

*This consultation has now closed*

Wednesday 28th May 2025 – Wednesday 9th July 2025 at 23:59

Under Regulation 15 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Great Witley and Hillhampton Parish Council submitted its Neighbourhood Plan to Malvern Hills District Council on 25 February 2025 under Regulation 15. In accordance with Regulation 16, Malvern Hills District Council would now like to invite comments from individuals and organisations on the submitted draft Great Witley and Hillhampton Neighbourhood Plan from 28 May 2025 to 9 July 2025. 

To find out more information, please visit the Great Witley and Hillhampton Webpage

 

Hanley Castle Neighbourhood Plan (Review)

June 2025 - The Decision Statement has been published. The final version of the Neighbourhood Plan Review is proposed to be adopted at a Council meeting on 24 June 2025. To find out more information, please visit the Hanley Castle Webpage

Made (adopted) Neighbourhood Plan Reviews

Made (adopted) Neighbourhood Plans

Neighbourhood Plans at Review stage

Martley, Knightwick and Doddenham Neighbourhood Plan (Review):

  • Regulation 16 Consultation - Friday 2 May 2025 - Friday 13 June 2025 at 23:59

Neighbourhood Plans at Referendum stage

There are not currently any Neighbourhood Plans in Malvern Hills at this stage.

Neighbourhood Plans at Examination stage

There are not currently any Neighbourhood Plans in Malvern Hills at this stage.

Submitted Neighbourhood Plans

Great Witley and Hillhampton Neighbourhood Plan:

  • Regulation 16 Consultation - Wednesday 28 May - Wednesday 9 July at 23:59

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
  • Suckley - Neighbourhood Area designated on 17 June 2025

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

Groups may 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.