Community Governance Reviews
A Community Governance Review (CGR) is a formal process to look at how local communities are represented at parish or town council level. It’s a way for councils to make sure that governance arrangements - like parish boundaries, council size, or even whether a parish/town council exists - reflect the identity and interests of the community and are effective for local people.
What can a Community Governance Review do?
A CGR can:
- Create, merge, alter, or abolish parish councils
- Change parish boundaries
- Change the number of councillors
- Change the name of a parish
- Group parishes together under one council
Why have a review?
Reviews are often done when communities grow, change, or when people feel local arrangements no longer suit their area. They help make sure governance is fair, effective, and reflects community identity.
Who can request a review?
Wychavon, as the principal council in the area, can hold a CGR at any time.
Residents can request a review by submitting a petition with enough signatures. The number depends on the size of the area:
- 7.5% for areas with over 2,500 electors
- 250 signatures for areas with 500 to 2,500 electors
- 50% of electors for areas with fewer than 500 electors.
How does it work?
- Any review will involve consultation with local residents and groups.
- We will consider the feedback before making final recommendations.
- Any changes are legally formalised and published.
Want more information?
If you would like to know more about the CGR process then please read How to establish your own parish or town council on the National Association of Local Councils page.
If you are seriously considering requesting a CGR then please contact us first for advice and support on 01386 565437.
Current Community Governance Reviews (CGR)
Dodderhill Parish Council – Impney Ward
Wychavon District Council are conducting a CGR to review which Parish Council this area should be in. It is currently in Dodderhill Parish but the review will consider moving it to Droitwich Spa Town Council area. If you live in the area, your views are welcomed. Please see the Public Notice and Terms of Reference for more information and for how to get in touch.
pdf Dodderhill Impney Draft Proposal Consultation.pdf (298 KB)
pdf Impney CGR Public Notice (218 KB)
pdf Terms of Reference Dodderhill Impney CGR (427 KB)
Defford and Besford Parish Council
Wychavon District Council are conducting a CGR to review the split of parish councillors between Defford and Besford (currently 6 and 3 respectively). If you live in the area, your views are welcomed. Please see the Public Notice and Terms of Reference for more information and for how to get in touch.
pdf Consultation on Draft Proposal June & July 2026 (316 KB)