Neighbourhood Plan passes key milestone on road to securing Melksham’s future

The Joint Melksham Neighbourhood Plan 2 (JMNP2) has passed a major milestone, putting the community one step closer to having greater legal influence over local planning decisions.

After extensive work involving residents, Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council, the updated plan has successfully completed its independent examination – the last step before going to a public referendum.

“We worked hard to get a Neighbourhood Plan that local people voted to bring into legal force,” said steering group chair, Cllr David Pafford. “Since then, it has been updated with a bold plan that goes beyond minimum requirements, aiming to get the best possible outcomes from development for our communities and create a legacy for future generations from plan-led regeneration of brownfield sites.”

Independent examiner Andrew Ashcroft said, “The plan is an excellent example of a neighbourhood plan review. It seeks to bring the plan up to date. It includes a variety of policies and identifies positive and sustainable development.”

What’s in JMNP2?

JMNP2 builds on the original Joint Neighbourhood Plan adopted in July 2021 and responds to new priorities from the community. It focuses on key issues such as regenerating the Cooper Tires site, supporting town centre businesses, delivering more affordable homes, protecting green spaces and moving towards a zero-carbon Melksham.

The plan has been shaped by extensive community involvement and consultation throughout 2023 and 2024.

‘Robust and evidence-based’

Clerk of Melksham Without Parish Council, Teresa Strange, said, “The valuable feedback gathered from residents and stakeholders has been thoughtfully integrated to ensure the plan genuinely reflects local needs and aspirations. It’s supported by a comprehensive evidence base that includes a detailed record of how JMNP2 has responded.”

In total, the plan sets out 21 bespoke local policies covering design quality, sustainability, affordable housing, green space provision and developer contributions across the town and surrounding rural areas.

“The Neighbourhood Plan gives 49 important green areas the highest possible level of protection,” Teresa explained. “Like green belts, it means they are very difficult to build on, helping keep them open for nature and community enjoyment.

“Our plan also identifies key areas of countryside to protect the setting of our town and villages, preventing them from merging into one big built-up area. It’s about making sure you can still tell where one place ends and the next begins.

“We’ve introduced a local list to give greater protection to heritage features not covered by national listing, and set targets for increased tree coverage. Other policies support sustainable design, renewable energy and flood risk management to ensure long-term environmental resilience.”

Sustainable growth and local control

A key objective of the plan is to make best use of brownfield land, with nearly 14 hectares – about 17 football pitches – allocated at the former Cooper Tires site and old library to support new homes, jobs and town centre vitality.

Outside the town, the plan aims to preserve the distinct identities of Shaw and Whitley while enabling smaller, more affordable housing, including bungalows.

“One major advantage is a reduced risk of speculative development,” said Teresa. “An adopted Neighbourhood Plan with site allocations gives communities and the local planning authority greater control over where development happens over the next five years.”

What happens next?

“Only if the plan passes a public referendum will it be officially adopted,” Teresa added. “If approved, it will replace the first edition and provide a clear, up-to-date framework – with the same legal status as the Wiltshire Local Plan – to guide future development in the area.”