Neighbourhood Plan 2 Training Session

Members of Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Town Council attended their second joint training session focused on the practical use of Neighbourhood Plan 2, led by Vaughan Thompson from Place Studio, the appointed planning consultants.

With Neighbourhood Plan 2 now in place, the session provided insight into how it can be used to its fullest extent, particularly in the context of the changing planning landscape in Wiltshire. This includes the anticipated introduction of a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) this summer and Wiltshire Councils withdrawal of its Local Plan.

Councillors also took part in a series of practical exercises, working through both real and hypothetical planning scenarios in a simulated planning committee setting. This helped to build confidence and consistency in applying the plan effectively in decision-making.

This ongoing training ensures that Neighbourhood Plan 2 is actively used to shape planning decisions, continues to reflect the priorities of the Melksham community, and retains real weight in influencing outcomes.