Cheltenham’s First Neighbourhood Development Plan Approved After a Decade of Effort

After more than ten years of dedication and community effort, Cheltenham’s first neighbourhood development plan has officially been approved.

The Leckhampton with Warden Hill parish area plan received unanimous support from Cheltenham Borough Council following a successful referendum held last month. This milestone marks a significant step forward in empowering local residents to influence planning and promote sustainable development within their community.

Neighbourhood plans are a critical tool that enables communities to create a shared vision for their area, ensuring that future growth aligns with local priorities. As councillors gathered at the Municipal Office on June 22, they voted unanimously to “make” the plan official.

Councillor Paul Baker (LD, Charlton Park), who presented the report, praised the dedication behind the plan, which focuses on key priorities for Leckhampton. He highlighted the instrumental role Mayor Martin Horwood (LD, Leckhampton) played throughout the process, noting that without his leadership and the support of other committed individuals, this achievement might not have been possible.

“We first considered this plan back in June 2015,” Cllr Baker remarked. “The fact that it has taken over a decade speaks volumes about the determination and commitment of everyone involved.”

Councillor Julie Chandler (LD, Leckhampton) expressed her gratitude towards the community members who engaged in the consultation process. She emphasized that the plan reflects the collective aspirations of residents, detailing preferred walking and cycling routes, community facilities, green spaces, and heritage conservation policies.

“This plan exemplifies true community empowerment and democratic participation,” she said. “The May referendum showed remarkable support, with 3,005 votes in favour and only 464 against—more than six to one, on a 52 percent turnout. That’s an outstanding result.”

After the vote, Mayor Horwood described the plan as a “fantastic community process” and celebrated the overwhelming support demonstrated in the referendum.

“The scale of the yes vote is a tremendous endorsement for our neighbourhood’s future,” he said proudly.

With this approval, the Leckhampton with Warden Hill neighbourhood plan now guides Cheltenham’s development strategy, ensuring sustainable growth that is rooted firmly in local values and community needs.