Melksham’s Neighbourhood Plan has been shortlisted for a prestigious planning award.
The Joint Melksham Neighbourhood Plan 2, produced by Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Town Council, was named a finalist in the Best Plan category at the Royal Town Planning Institute South West Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 in Exeter on 2nd July.
Although it did not take the top prize, chair of the former Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, Teresa Strange, said the shortlisting was a ‘real honour’ and recognition of the hard work, commitment and partnership involved in preparing the plan.
The document, prepared with support from Place Studio, was approved at a referendum in 2025 with an 88.8 per cent yes vote.
It sets out a community-led framework for how land is protected and shaped across Melksham Town and Melksham Without.
Representing the plan at the awards were Vice Chair of Melksham Without Parish Council Cllr David Pafford, Teresa Strange, and Katie Lea and Vaughan Thompson of Place Studio.
Teresa said, “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the plan over many years, including councillors, officers, consultants, community representatives, residents and local organisations. To be shortlisted at regional level is a great achievement and reflects the strength of the plan and the community-led work behind it.”
Pictured: Melksham Without Parish Council members at the RTPI South West Awards for Planning Excellence. Clerk Teresa Strange and vice chair Cllr David Pafford
Support Local News
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Local news is under pressure more than ever. For just £2 a month, you can support independent reporting that shares local stories, investigates the issues that affect you, and keeps residents up to date.
Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation. All donations will be reinvested into producing local journalism for Melksham.
Donate Now
