It’s time for Cholsey to update its Neighbourhood Plan, and we need your help.

The Neighbourhood Plan helps shape the future of our village: how many new homes are needed and where they should be built, how green spaces are used and protected, and what services and facilities our community needs. A strong, up-to-date Neighbourhood Plan helps ensure that changes reflect a community’s wishes.

To lead this work, we’ve set up a Neighbourhood Plan Working Group made up of Parish Councillors and local residents. Over the coming months we’ll be gathering evidence, engaging with the community, and starting to update our policies.

Get involved

• We’re looking for volunteers to join the Working Group, helping with research, engagement and events. No planning experience needed — just an interest in Cholsey!
• Please also look out for opportunities to share your views through surveys and events. Your input will directly shape the updated Plan.

If you’d like to get involved or find out more, please contact: neighbourhoodplan@cholseyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Cholsey Neighbourhood Plan – Questions & Answers

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

Cholsey’s Neighbourhood Plan is a community‑led planning document for our village. Alongside the District Council’s Local Plan, it sets out planning policies on things like housing, green spaces, design, local character, transport and community facilities. Once adopted (“made”), it becomes part of the statutory development plan and must be taken into account when planning applications are decided. You can find our current “made” plan here: Cholsey Neighbourhood Plan Made October 2022

Why are we updating the Neighbourhood Plan now?

Neighbourhood Plans need to be reviewed regularly to stay up‑to‑date with new evidence, changing community priorities, updates to national planning policy and changes to the South Oxfordshire Local Plan

An up‑to‑date Plan carries full legal weight. If it becomes out-of-date, it is harder to rely on when responding to planning applications.

Can a Neighbourhood Plan help ensure development takes place in accordance with the local community wishes?

Yes. When a Neighbourhood Plan is up-to-date, it is a powerful tool. It can:

• guide where new homes and other development should and should not go
• protect valued green spaces
• influence the scale and design of development
• strengthen the community’s views and position when proposals come forward

This is particularly important in areas under development pressure, such as Cholsey.

Who is preparing the updated Plan?

Cholsey Parish Council has set up a Neighbourhood Plan Working Group made up of Parish Councillors and local residents. The group will gather evidence, engage with the community, and draft updated policies. The Parish Council remains the decision‑making body and will approve all formal documents.

How can residents get involved?

Opportunities to take part will include surveys, drop‑in events, and commenting on the draft Plan. Your views will directly shape the updated Plan.

Can I volunteer to help?

Yes! We are looking for volunteers to join the Working Group with research, community engagement, events or topic‑based work.

No planning experience is needed — just an interest in Cholsey.

To express interest, email: neighbourhoodplan@cholseyparishcouncil.gov.uk

What topics will the updated Plan cover?

The exact scope will be shaped by community input, but it is likely to include:

• housing needs and locations
• green spaces and the natural environment
• heritage and village character
• transport and movement
• climate and sustainability
• community services and facilities

What is the timeline?

We aim to have a new Neighbourhood Plan adopted during 2027.

Key stages include:

• evidence gathering
• community engagement
• drafting the updated Plan
• formal consultation (Regulation 14)
• submission to South Oxfordshire District Council
• independent examination
• local referendum if necessary

We will publish updates throughout the process.

How will the community be kept informed?

Updates will be shared through the Parish Council website, social media, noticeboards, public events and consultations.

Where can I find more information?

All updates and opportunities to get involved will be published on the Parish Council website. You can also contact the Clerk or email: neighbourhoodplan@cholseyparishcouncil.gov.uk