Trowbridge Town Council has today launched a public consultation on the emerging Trowbridge Neighbourhood Plan, giving residents, businesses and community groups the opportunity to help shape decisions about planning and development in the town.
The consultation runs for four weeks, from Tuesday 15 September to Tuesday 13 October 2026, and covers the area within the designated Trowbridge Neighbourhood Area. A map of the boundary area is available to view on the Council’s website and at the Council offices.
What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan is a document that gives local people a direct say in decisions about planning and development in their area. Once formally adopted – known as being “made” – it becomes part of Wiltshire’s statutory development plan and is used to help decide planning applications within the Trowbridge Neighbourhood Area, alongside Wiltshire Council’s own planning policies.
Unlike the wider Wiltshire Local Plan, a Neighbourhood Plan is prepared by and for the local community. In Trowbridge, it is being developed by residents and Town Council members forming a Steering Group, supported by independent consultants.
What is this stage of consultation about?
This first stage of engagement is about gathering the community’s local knowledge – there is no draft plan to review yet. The Council is asking residents to help identify and put forward:
- Local Green Spaces – green areas of particular importance to the community that could be safeguarded from development
- Green and blue infrastructure assets – such as parks, wildlife corridors, footpaths and watercourses
- Non-designated heritage assets – locally important buildings, features or sites valued by the community but not formally listed
- Key views – valued views or vistas that reflect the character of the town
- Connectivity and active travel – opportunities to improve cycling and walking routes
These nominations, together with the evidence gathered, will inform the policies in the draft Neighbourhood Plan, which will be published for a further round of public consultation (expected summer 2027) before being submitted to Wiltshire Council.
In-person consultation events
As well as the online and postal options below, the Council is holding a series of in-person drop-in consultation events during the four-week period, giving residents the chance to speak to the Steering Group, view maps of the neighbourhood area, and put forward their nominations in person.
The first drop-in event will be held on Saturday 26 September 2026 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Civic Centre, St Stephens Place, Trowbridge.
Have your say
Residents are encouraged to put forward the green spaces, heritage assets, views and infrastructure that matter most to them before the consultation closes on 13 October 2026. Nominations and comments can be submitted:
- Online at www.trowbridge.gov.uk/your-council/neighbourhood-plan/ or via the link https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Gm3s37VkCJ
- By post to: Trowbridge Town Council, Civic Centre, St Stephens Place, Trowbridge, BA14 8AH
- In person at the drop-in events above, or Monday 28th September 5:00pm – 7:00pm in The Civic Centre and Tuesday 6th October 11:00am – 2:00pm in The Shires Shopping Centre.
Copies of the nomination worksheets are also available to view online at www.trowbridge.gov.uk/your-council/neighbourhood-plan/ or at Trowbridge Town Council’s offices.
