Parish Plan

The purpose of the plan is to inform the council of the communities’ priorities over the next 5-10 years. It is recognised that these priorities will vary from things which the council can control to those which it can only influence. The plan will be part of a broader communications and community engagement strategy which will:

• Collect data about the parish
• Collect views through consultation events
• Communicate the results of the survey and how the council is going to act upon them
• Continue to communicate council actions and proactively seek views and feedback
• Continuously review communication mechanisms – for example Parish Link, noticeboards, website, social media

Just under 150 residents attended 2 consultation events in January and March 2026.

Each resident attending was invited to write down on post-it stickies their thoughts about the Hanley Castle Parish. What did they like. What didn’t they like? What should be improved? Would they like to be more involved? Headings included:

• Recreation & Leisure
• Environment & Habitats
• Transport
• Safety & Security
• Communications
• Housing & Planning
• Health & Wellbeing

Guests were able to discuss their views with other residents, parish councillors and local volunteers. Lucy Bird, the Health and Wellbeing Officer for Worcestershire County Association for Local Councils (CALC), was present to hear views and describe approaches other councils are taking.

A rolling slideshow presented many of the wonderful activities and sports taking place in the parish. There was a great atmosphere of a community coming together to focus on what needs to be done in our area.

The output was a fantastic 900 comments and ideas. The output from the events will be used to ensure we ask the right questions in the survey we will be sending to all households later this year. If you would like more information please contact Cllr.steve.pennant@hanleycastleparish.gov.uk