PARISHES and town councils across Wychavon will still be backed to produce neighbourhood plans despite recent Government funding cuts.
Following the Government’s June 2025 Spending Review, previously available grants of £10,000 for parishes to produce neighbourhood plans were withdrawn.
In response to this funding shortfall, Wychavon District Council has committed to providing £10,000 in funding for neighbourhood planning to all its parish and town councils.
Under the funding, local authorities will be supported to produce new or revised plans for their area.
Emma Kearsey, executive board member for planning, Infrastructure and Urban Design, said, “I have long been an advocate of neighbourhood plans.
“Neighbourhood development plans are true democracy in action and are the vehicle for residents to decide what and where development happens in their villages and towns.
“It allows for the protection of any form of development in allocated areas of local green space, and it enables policies to be made that meet the unique priorities of each village or town.
“That is why, at Wychavon, when we became aware of the Government’s withdrawal of this essential funding, we acted fast and immediately decided to fund this for new and revised neighbourhood development plans.
“With the increasing number of housing units allocated to Wychavon by the Government, I strongly urge parish and town councils to embark on producing a neighbourhood development plan now, if they aren’t already.”
By continuing to fund neighbourhood planning in Wychavon, parish and town councils can help shape at the region’s South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP).
With this funding, Wychavon hopes residents, businesses, and stakeholders can effectively collaborate to shape local land use, making sure community needs and aspirations are prioritised.
Parishes and Towns interested in discussing their neighbourhood planning efforts can contact the Planning Policy Team at Wychavon.
Email [email protected] or call 01386 565565 for more information.
