Christchurch Neighbourhood Plan Reaches Major Milestone
Christchurch Town Council's Local Plan has made it to its next milestone, giving residents another chance to provide input.
See the information below on what the milestone is and how you can contribute!
Christchurch Neighbourhood Plan Reaches Major Milestone as Vision for the Town's Future is Submitted
Residents' voices help shape ambitious blueprint to protect what makes Christchurch special while planning for the future
Christchurch has taken a major step towards securing its own community-led planning framework, with the Christchurch Neighbourhood Plan now formally submitted to BCP Council. The submission marks a significant milestone in a project shaped over several years, and approved by Christchurch Town Council at its Extraordinary Full Council meeting on 19 June 2026.
More than 1,280 residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders have contributed to the development of the Plan. Their views have helped create a shared vision that protects Christchurch’s distinctive character while planning positively for the future.
Mayor Maggie Fidler said: “The submission of the Christchurch Neighbourhood Plan is a hugely significant milestone and a proud moment for our town. What makes this Plan so special is that it has been shaped by the people of Christchurch, with more than 1,280 residents sharing their ideas, concerns and aspirations for the future of our community.
“The message from residents has been clear: protect the character, heritage and green spaces that make Christchurch unique, while ensuring future development is carefully planned and delivers real benefits for local people.
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the process, as their commitment, local knowledge and passion for Christchurch have been invaluable. As the Plan moves to the next stage, I encourage the community to continue engaging with the process and help shape the future of our wonderful town.”
Prepared by the community, for the community, the Neighbourhood Plan will help guide planning decisions across Christchurch for the next decade. Once adopted, it will form part of the statutory development plan used to determine planning applications. The Plan sets out a vision for Christchurch as an attractive, vibrant town that preserves the qualities residents value most, while embracing carefully managed growth.
Five key themes underpin the Plan:
- Protecting design and heritage
- Safeguarding green and open spaces
- Improving opportunities for walking and cycling
- Supporting a thriving town centre
- Ensuring future development delivers benefits for local communities.
A comprehensive set of policies strengthens local protections and raises expectations for future development. These include the proposed designation of 26 Local Green Spaces, enhanced biodiversity and tree‑planting measures, stronger design guidance, and protection for heritage assets, important views and historic buildings.
The Plan also supports a vibrant town centre, improved walking and cycling links, and a balanced approach to meeting local housing needs. Particular emphasis is placed on affordable housing, family homes, accommodation for older residents and key workers, alongside support for local employment opportunities.
Residents, stakeholders and statutory consultees now have a further opportunity to comment on the submitted Plan via BCP Council’s consultation portal: Project: Christchurch Neighbourhood Plan Proposal Consul... | BCP Council
Following consultation, an independent examiner will review the Plan and make recommendations before it proceeds to a local referendum. If approved by residents, the Christchurch Neighbourhood Plan will be adopted and help guide planning decisions across the town for years to come.
The consultation runs until the 6th September 2026.
Published: 24th July 2026; expires: 6th September 2026 23:59:59