Parish Planning

'Parish Planning' enables Town and Parish councils to give their communities a better deal on services and a stronger voice in decisions that effect everybody's day to day lives. These plans must be holistic, be based on a careful examination of local needs and must actively involve the local community. So long as these plans meet certain quality criteria the Bridgnorth District Community Partnership and Shropshire Partnership will use them to inform:

  • The Community Strategies for the District and County;
  • Policy decisions and the planning and delivery of services;
  • The allocation of resources; and
  • the statutory land use planning system.

'Parish Planning' is an excellent way for you to become involved in your local community and Parish Plans have increased Parish Councils' confidence and ability to lead their communities.

Parish Planning in Our District

Everyone living in parishes now has a chance to have much more of a say in what happens in the future to their town or village through participating in a Parish Plan.

It gives every member of the community an opportunity to become involved in producing a plan. It covers economic, environmental and social issues, everything that is relevant to people living in that community.

To date, eleven parishes are in the process of producing or have completed a Plan. Several other parishes are looking at starting the process.

Issues identified by parishes

  • A need for sensitive local housing development and affordable homes to buy or rent (e.g. use of village design statements);
  • Controlling traffic through villages, reducing heavy lorries and better footpaths;
  • Better play facilities and activities and access for younger people;
  • Maintenance and expanded use of village halls, churches and village shops;
  • Supporting rural work at home and businesses with broadband.

What are the benefits?

  • Indentifying the gaps and what priorities are realistic to pursue;
  • Neighbourhood/parish watch revitalised or set up;
  • An action plan for the future;
  • Real and positive renewal of community spirit; and
  • New friends and contacts.

Are you interested in getting a Plan started for your parish?

There are grants available to help you get started: the Community Council of Shropshire and other organisations are available to advise on these and on organising and planning the different stages of the plan, and involving the whole community in developing it.

To view the Community Council's interactive parish planning map please click here, or for information about any aspect of Parish Planning please contact the Community Council of Shropshire on (01743) 360641.