A PLANNING blueprint to guide future development in the South Lenches is out for public consultation, giving residents a chance to have their say.
The South Lenches Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared by a steering group of volunteers and parish councillors with support from Wychavon District Council’s planning team and will be open for comment for the next six weeks.
The draft plan includes 14 objectives, which include ensuring new development is in keeping with the local area, meets housing affordability needs, promotes high levels of energy efficiency, and ensures infrastructure is in place to deal with surface water and flooding.
Amongst other things, it also aims to preserve the South Lenches’ historic environment and heritage assets, maintain the distinction between individual villages and protect high-quality agricultural land.
Comments received during the consultation will be considered before the document is independently examined by planning specialists. If it passes that stage, the public will be asked to approve it in a referendum.
Coun Emma Kearsey, the authority’s executive board member for planning, infrastructure and urban design, said: “By bringing forward this plan, the South Lenches has demonstrated a commitment to local people having a say in shaping the future of their community and ensuring development reflects local priorities.
“The plan seeks to protect the character and identity of the South Lenches while planning positively for the future. I would encourage residents to take a look at the proposals and share their views.”
Neighbourhood Plans allow communities to influence where development should go, what it should look like and which local issues matter most to residents.
Once adopted, they become part of the wider development plan used to help determine planning applications in the area.
They can also help planners secure developer contributions to support the creation of new community facilities.
The consultation runs until 11.59pm on Monday, 3 August 2026.
See www.wychavon.gov.uk/neighbourhood-planning and select South Lenches Neighbourhood Plan from the list.
Paper copies are also available at Pershore Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1PT, The Lenches Sports and Recreation Club, Ab Lench Road, Church Lench WR11 4UQ, All Saints Church, Main Street, Church Lench, Evesham WR11 4UE and Ellenden Farm Shop, Evesham Road, Harvington WR11 8LU or on request from Wychavon.
The development of the plan was supported by a with a grant from Wychavon that provides up to £10,000 to help town and parish councils prepare the document.
