Designated Neighbourhood Plan Areas
Welwyn Neighbourhood Plan Area
Steps Welwyn Parish Council have taken towards producing a neighbourhood development plan.
Welwyn Parish Council has prepared a Neighbourhood Development Plan for the parish of Welwyn. The plan covers the period 2025–2036 and, once ‘made’ (adopted), will form part of the Development Plan and be used by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in determining planning applications in the area.
Preparation of the Welwyn Neighbourhood Plan began following the designation of the Welwyn neighbourhood area by the Borough Council in September 2020. Welwyn Parish Council, as the qualifying body, led the preparation of the Plan with support from the Borough Council.
The Parish Council consulted on a draft plan between May and June 2024. The Plan was revised following consultation and submitted to the Borough Council in April 2025.
Following submission, the Borough Council undertook consultation on the Plan in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations.
An independent examiner, David Kaiserman BA DipTP MRTPI, was appointed to examine the submitted Plan. The examination was completed in November 2025, and the Examiner’s Report (issued 6 November 2025) concluded that, subject to modifications, the Plan meets the Basic Conditions and should proceed to referendum.
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council considered the Examiner’s Report and, on 24 February 2026, agreed that the Plan, as modified, should proceed to referendum.
Referendum
A referendum will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026 in the parish of Welwyn.
The question that will be asked is: “Do you want Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Welwyn to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”
Those eligible to vote in the referendum must be registered to vote in local government elections and have a qualifying address within the Welwyn parish.
Further information is available in the documents below.
Referendum documents
Welwyn Neighbourhood Plan – Referendum Version
Welwyn Neighbourhood Plan Design Principles and Guidance – Referendum Version
Welwyn Neighbourhood Plan Examiner’s Report
Welwyn Neighbourhood Plan Decision Statement
Welwyn Neighbourhood Plan Information Statement
Where to view the documents
Copies of the documents are available online and at the following locations during normal opening hours:
- Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Offices, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6AE
- Welwyn Parish Council, Lockleys Drive, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9NT
- Welwyn Community Library, Civic Centre, Prospect Place, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9ER
Examination
The Council appointed an independent examiner to review the submitted Neighbourhood Plan and assess whether it meets the required Basic Conditions.
The Welwyn Neighbourhood Plan Examiner’s Report was received on 6 November 2025 and concluded that, subject to modifications, the Plan should proceed to referendum.
Contact
If you would like further information about the Welwyn Neighbourhood Plan, please contact:
Welwyn Parish Council
Email: office@welwyn-pc.gov.uk