Hanley Castle Neighbourhood Plan
What is the Neighbourhood Plan?
The Neighbourhood Plan sets out the vision for the parish and the planning policies for the use and development of land within the parish.
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Neighbourhood plans focus on guiding development rather than stopping it and give communities an increased ability to influence planning within their areas. Plans have to conform with planning policies and guidance at a local and national level and meet the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations. This is checked by an independent examiner. They also need to demonstrate the involvement of the local community in decision-making and be subject to a community referendum.
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Neighbourhood plans sit within a suite of plans, the highest being the National Planning Policy Framework then the county development plan and then neighbourhood plans. It is important that all three plans work together and that their policies integrate.
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Hanley Castle's Neighbourhood Plan was originally adopted by Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) on 22 January 2019. This made it part of the statutory Development Plan for Malvern Hills District, sitting alongside the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP), and other material considerations in determining planning applications in the parish of Hanley Castle.
Following a review in 2023-2025, a revised version was adopted by MHDC on 24th June 2025. To view a copy of the Plan, click on the image below. Supporting information can be found on MHDC website Neighbourhood Planning.
The Neighbourhood Plan should be read in conjunction with the Building Design Guide. This gives useful guidance on the design of new buildings and extensions to properties. Any application will be significantly enhanced by referencing this guide.
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Click an image to view the document.
