The Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Development Plan is a community-led document that helps to shape how the area develops.
It safeguards the town’s heritage and environment, prioritising local priorities such as flood resilience and sustainable growth. It sets out standards and design requirements for any future development.
It does not pre-determine specific housing sites or delivery targets and is not about any specific planning applications.
Copies of the Plan are available to view in Much Wenlock library during opening hours and on the Shropshire Council website: https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/planning-policy/neighbourhood-and-community-led-plans/emerging-neighbourhood-plans/much-wenlock-neighbourhood-plan/
At the referendum those registered to vote will be asked:
“Do you want Shropshire Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Much Wenlock to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”
You can vote yes or no. Please use your vote.
The Neighbourhood Plan evolved from a series of questionnaires and public events organised by the Much Wenlock Town Council with the whole community throughout 2024.
There was wide community engagement in this process. Your comments, suggestions and preferences on a range of issues concerning Much Wenlock - from housing to green spaces, environment and sustainability, flooding, traffic and transport - were collected and analysed, and the data from this feedback have formed the basis of the Plan, which has now been agreed by Shropshire Council, and now needs to be finally ratified by the public in the Referendum.
During the consultations you told us your views and preferences about the type of housing development you felt Much Wenlock needs. When the data from the consultations was analysed the overwhelming preference was for small developments only, focusing particularly on affordable homes for first time buyers and young families. THIS is the housing policy you will be voting for if you vote for the Plan.
There have been some suggestions that a "NO" vote would stop development proposals from Boningale and others. Please note that there is NO CONNECTION WHATSOEVER between the Referendum on the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan and the recent planning application for 300 homes next to Hunters Gate.
A "NO" vote on the Neighbourhood Plan will have no impact whatsoever on Boningale's proposal or any other current proposals for further development in Much Wenlock."