Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's - General
What is the Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan lets local people shape how their area develops, setting priorities based on what matters most locally. It covers new homes, shops and community spaces; how they should look, and what green spaces or historic sites should be protected. Once approved, it will become a legal part of Warrington’s planning framework and must be considered in all planning decisions.
The plan must align with national planning policies and Warrington’s Local Plan, so it can’t block developments already permitted or contradict broader strategies.
The process includes public consultations and a local referendum. In Grappenhall and Thelwall, the community was consulted in the second half of 2025 and in 2026. We are aiming to hold our referendum in 2027
How will the Neighbourhood Plan affect me?
The Neighbourhood Plan gives you a direct say in how Grappenhall and Thelwall changes and grows. It can influence the type and location of new homes, shops, and where community facilities go, how they look, and what local green spaces or heritage areas are protected.
That means future developments will be shaped by the priorities of local people—not just planners or developers. Whether you care about housing, the look of our villages, places to walk and cycle, preserving character, green spaces, the Bridgewater canal or traffic, the Plan helps make sure your views are part of the decision-making process.
What are the main steps to creating a Neighbourhood Plan?
The process typically involves the following stages:
- Designation of the neighbourhood area. Done ✅
- Evidence gathering. Done ✅
- Community engagement – Ongoing
- Drafting the plan. ✅
- Formal consultation (Regulation 14). Nov – Dec 2025 ✅
- Submission to the local authority. Mid 2026 ✅
- Independent examination. Late 2026
- Referendum. Spring 2026
- Adoption (“making”) of the Plan. Mid 2027 onwards
What legal standing will it have?
More than you think! Once the Neighbourhood Plan is agreed then it will become part of the statutory framework used in ALL planning decisions for the next 10-15 years.
That means any NEW applications from planners and developers as well as householder applications for extensions, conversions or infill must meet its criteria.
Who is pulling together the Neighbourhood Plan?
Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council supports the Steering Group which comprises a large number of volunteer residents – from the age of 17 upwards. Every member lives in Grappenhall Heys, Thelwall or Grappenhall. We are very fortunate to have a wide variety of experience, including an ex-Planning Inspector, so we’re confident that our draft plans are rigorous and robust!
Why should I vote in the 2027 Neighbourhood Plan Referendum?
Voting in the Neighbourhood referendum in 2026 gives you a direct say in how Grappenhall and Thelwall develops over the next 10-15 years. If the majority of voters say “Yes“, the plan becomes a legal planning document. That means Warrington Borough Council must use it when deciding on future planning applications. If not enough people vote, or the plan is rejected, those decisions could be made by non-residents, without reflecting what the community wants.
So your vote really does matter – Local Voices – Lasting Impact.
What happens at the Referendum in 2027?
And what about the referendum?
The Independent Examiner’s assessment will advise as to whether the Plan meets the ‘basic conditions’ and whether it needs any modifications to enable it to do so. The Examiner will then make a recommendation on whether the Plan should proceed to a public referendum.
It will then be up to Warrington Borough Council to arrange for the referendum to take place.
All people on the electoral register for the Parish will be entitled to vote in the referendum, either in person or by a postal vote.
It is necessary to gain more than 50% ‘Yes’ votes of those voting in the referendum for the Plan to be ‘made’ and brought into force.
It is really important the residents understand voting against the Plan WILL NOT STOP THE DEVELOPMENT OF 4,200 houses in the South East Warrington Urban Extension.
What work has gone on behind the scenes to get here?
A public meeting attended by over 160 local residents was held on 17 January 2024 to discuss restarting work on the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan and a further virtual meeting for those unable to attend the in-person event was held on 22 January 2024.
Following these meetings a Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group comprising members of Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council and a group of passionate local residents from Thelwall, Grappenhall and Grappenhall Heys was formed.
Three events took place in 2024 to establish the views of local people:
- Thelwall Rose Queen Engagement Session – 22/6/24
- Grappenhall Walking Day Engagement Session – 22/6/24
- Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden Autumn Fair – 28/6/24
At the events, three questions were asked:
- What do you like about Grappenhall & Thelwall?
- What do you not like about Grappenhall & Thelwall?
- As Grappenhall and Thelwall grows, what will be important to you and your family?
We decided that we needed to focus on what was most important locally, so from this engagement the Neighbourhood Plan Five themes were formed as well as the Neighbourhood Plan vision: Green and Blue Spaces; Heritage; Design; Housing Need; Infrastructure.
I've heard that there's going to be a lot of new housing in South Warrington - can the Neighbourhood Plan stop it?
We know many local residents are concerned about the scale of development already planned in South Warrington, between now and 2038. This includes over 300 homes by Castle Green Homes at Thelwall Heys and 2,400 on the land owned by Homes England (off Stockton Lane and off Broad Lane in Grappenhall). While the Neighbourhood Plan can’t stop this development (because legally it must align with Warrington’s Local Plan), it can give our community more say in how that growth is managed.
In short, it’s our best chance to make sure that future development reflects local priorities – not just housing numbers. It puts our community in a stronger position to guide and influence inevitable change before it happens, rather than simply react to it.
What evidence has been used to develop The Plan?
The Steering Group commissioned/collated an evidence base to support policy development including:
- Green Space Report
- Housing Needs Assessment (external consultant commissioned – Aecom)
- Housing Needs Survey (went to all 4024 households of Grappenhall & Thelwall in November 2024 – 17% response rate)
- Character and Design Study (external consultant commissioned – Neil Homer)
Where can I see supporting documents, agenda minutes etc.?
Click right here In the Library tab