Frequently asked questions about the Neighbourhood Plan referendum

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

Neighbourhood Planning was introduced under the 2011 Localism Act. It provides an opportunity for local communities to shape future development in their local area. Where a community wants to take up the opportunities offered by neighbourhood planning, the legislation enables three types of organisations, known as ‘qualifying bodies’, to lead it:

  1. a parish or town council
  2. a neighbourhood forum
  3. a community organisation

What is the Neighbourhood Plan area?

A neighbourhood plan must apply to a specific designated area which can range from single streets or large rural or urban areas.

The council has agreed with the examiner’s recommendation that the referendum be held for the whole of the existing parish rather than the plan area following a request received from the parish council.

View the Leckhampton with Warden Hill Neighbourhood Plan referendum area.

Can it be used to stop further housing development?

No – the government has made it clear that it is not a tool to be used to stop or promote less development that set out in or undermine the strategic policies for the area.

What is the referendum question?

Do you want Cheltenham Borough Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Leckhampton with Warden Hill to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?

How do I vote in the referendum?

A referendum asks you to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to the above question. You vote by putting a cross (X) in the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ box on your ballot paper. Put a cross in only one box or your vote will not be counted.

The proposed Neighbourhood Plan needs to gain the approval of the majority of voters (more than 50%) in the Referendum Area for the local planning authority to ‘make’ the neighbourhood plan. If the majority of voters vote ‘no’ rather than ‘yes’, then the Neighbourhood Plan will not become part of the Development Plan for the local area.

If the Neighbourhood Plan is made, then it will become part of the Development Plan for Cheltenham Borough Council and will be used in the determination of planning applications in the Leckhampton with Warden Hill neighbourhood plan area.

Am I eligible to vote?

You can vote in the referendum if you receive a poll card and;

  • You are registered to vote in local government elections, or you register to vote by Tuesday 20 April 2026. You can check if you are registered to vote by calling 01242 264132 or emailing [email protected].
  • You are 18 years of age or over on Thursday 7 May 2026.
  • When voting in person, you have a valid form of ID. To see which types of ID are valid or to get an ID for this referendum visit gov.uk/apply-for-photoid-voter-authority-certificate

The referendum will be conducted in accordance with procedures which are similar to those used at local government elections.

Where can I find more information about Neighbourhood Plans?

You can find out more about neighbourhood plans and the Localism Act from these sources: