Date published: 24 June 2026
A planning blueprint to guide future development in the South Lenches is out for public consultation.
Residents can have their say on the South Lenches Neighbourhood Plan over the next six weeks. The document has been prepared by a steering group of volunteers and parish councillors with support from Wychavon’s planning team.
Neighbourhood Plans allow communities to influence where development should go, what it should look like and which local issues matter most to residents. Once adopted, they become part of the wider development plan used to help determine planning applications in the area. They can also help planners secure developer contributions to support the creation of new community facilities.
Pictured: The villages of Church Lench, Atch Lench, Ab Lench and Sheriffs Lench.
The draft plan includes 14 objectives, which include ensuring new development is in keeping with the local area, meets housing affordability needs, promotes high levels of energy efficiency, and ensures infrastructure is in place to deal with surface water and flooding. Amongst other things, the Plan also aims to preserve the South Lenches’ historic environment and heritage assets, maintain the distinction between individual villages and protect high-quality agricultural land.
The consultation runs until 11.59pm on Monday, 3 August 2026.
Residents can view the documents and submit comments online by visiting www.wychavon.gov.uk/neighbourhood-planning and selecting South Lenches Neighbourhood Plan from the list.
Paper copies are also available at Pershore Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1PT, The Lenches Sports and Recreation Club, Ab Lench Road, Church Lench WR11 4UQ, All Saints Church, Main Street, Church Lench, Evesham WR11 4UE and Ellenden Farm Shop, Evesham Road, Harvington WR11 8LU or on request from Wychavon.
Comments received during the consultation will be considered before the Plan is independently examined by planning specialists. If the Plan passes that stage, the public will be asked to approve it in a referendum.
Wychavon supported the development of the Plan with one of its Neighbourhood Plan Grants. Up to £10,000 is on offer from the council’s own funds to help town and parish councils prepare Neighbourhood Plans and reviews, following the withdrawal of government funding.
Cllr Emma Kearsey, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Urban Design, said: “By bringing forward this Plan, the South Lenches has demonstrated a commitment to local people having a say in shaping the future of their community and ensuring development reflects local priorities.
“The plan seeks to protect the character and identity of the South Lenches while planning positively for the future. I would encourage residents to take a look at the proposals and share their views.”