Community Plans

Community planning is a great way to set out what you want for your community, now and in the future. The City Council supports anyone who wants to undertake a community plan.

What is a Community Plan?

A Community Plan is a document prepared by a community, which describes how the community sees itself developing over the next few years. It:

• identifies local problems and opportunities
• sets out an achievable and long term vision for the future
• prepares a plan of action to achieve this vision

To prepare a Plan the views of all of the community must be gathered through survey, research and community participation. A Plan can include everything that is relevant to the people who live and work in the community, from employment needs to playgrounds. They can include any social, environmental or economic issues. It is up to the community to decide what is important to them. No one else can set the agenda or determine priorities for action on behalf of the community.

There are different types of community plan - the main ones being parish plan or market town healthcheck. Watch the short film below to find out more about community planning in Hampshire.

Why do a Community Plan?

A Community Plan:

• Provides detailed information on the issues of importance to the local community.
• Gives everyone the opportunity to have their say.
• Helps people to become move involved in what goes on around them.
• Gives the statutory authorities, including the Council, vital information about the needs and views of a community.
• Helps individuals and organisations be prepared for questions or issues which arise about changes or threats to local services and activities.
• Provides useful information when applying for funding for projects.
• Provides a vision of the community in the future, and a defined plan of action to show how this will be achieved.
  

Watch the short film below to find out what community planning has achieved for some communities in Hampshire.

If you are interested in undertaking a community plan in your area, or if you have already started the process, contact Steve Lincoln, Community Planning Manager at Winchester City Council, on 01962 848110 or slincoln@winchester.gov.uk.