Designated Neighbourhood Areas

Six neighbourhood areas have been designated in Fenland

Neighbourhood planning allows local communities to shape how their area develops by preparing a neighbourhood plan. Before a neighbourhood plan can be prepared, the area it covers must be formally agreed. This is known as a designated neighbourhood area.

In Fenland, applications to designate neighbourhood areas are made by parish or town councils and are approved by Fenland District Council. Once an area is designated, the parish or town council can begin preparing a neighbourhood plan for that area.

This Map (PDF, 1 MB) shows all the neighbourhood areas that have been designated within the Fenland district. Further details of each designation can be found below.

Adopted ("Made") Neighbourhood Plans

The following neighbourhood plans have been formally adopted by Fenland District Council and form part of the statutory development plan. These plans are used alongside the Fenland Local Plan when planning applications are decided.

Emerging Neighbourhood Plans

Several parish councils in Fenland are preparing neighbourhood plans. These are known as emerging neighbourhood plans.

Emerging neighbourhood plans may be given some weight in planning decisions, depending on how far they have progressed and how consistent they are with national and local planning policy.

Designated Areas not currently progressing a Neighbourhood Plan

Tydd St Giles

March Neighbourhood Plan - November 2017

March Town Council applied for the designation of the whole parish of March as a neighbourhood area, which was approved by Fenland District Council in December 2013.

The March Neighbourhood Plan was prepared by March Town Council, consulted on locally, independently examined and supported at referendum. The plan was formally adopted by Fenland District Council in November 2017 and now forms part of the development plan for Fenland.

For more information on this plan and linked supporting evidence visit the March Town Council website.

Parson Drove Neighbourhood Plan - August 2020

Parson Drove Parish Council applied for the designation of the whole parish of Parson Drove as a neighbourhood area, which was approved by Fenland District Council in January 2015.

The Parson Drove Neighbourhood Plan was prepared by the parish council, consulted on locally, independently examined and supported at referendum. The plan was formally adopted by Fenland District in August 2020 and now forms part of the development plan for Fenland.

Information relating to the examination and referendum process of this plan can be found here.

For more information on this plan and linked supporting evidence please visit the Parson Drove Parish Council website.

Whittlesey Neighbourhood Plan - May 2023

Whittlesey Town Council applied for the designation of the whole parish of Whittlesey as a neighbourhood area, which was approved by Fenland District Council in April 2015.

The Whittlesey Neighbourhood Plan was prepared by the parish council, consulted on locally, independently examined and supported at referendum. The plan was formally adopted by Fenland District in May 2023 and now forms part of the development plan for Fenland.

Information relating to the examination and referendum process of this plan can be found here.

For more information on this plan and linked supporting evidence please visit the Whittlesey Town Council website.

Doddington Neighbourhood Area

Doddington Parish Council applied for the designation of the whole parish of Doddington as a neighbourhood area, which was approved by Fenland District Council in April 2016.

Doddington Parish Council is actively preparing the Doddington Neighbourhood Plan.

The draft plan is currently subject to Regulation 14 (pre‑submission) consultation, giving the local community and other stakeholders an opportunity to comment before the plan is finalised and submitted to Fenland District Council.

Comments must be submitted by midnight on Monday 16 March 2026 and can be sent by email to: cllr.ruthhopkins@doddingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk

For more information on this emerging plan, linked supporting evidence and the current consultation please visit the Doddington Parish Council website.

Wimblington and Stonea Neighbourhood Area

Wimblington and Stonea Parish Council applied for the designation of the whole parish of Wimblington and Stonea as a neighbourhood area, which was approved by Fenland District Council in March 2021.

Wimblington and Stonea Parish Council is actively preparing the Wimblington and Stonea Neighbourhood Plan.

The parish council has completed its Regulation 14 (pre‑submission) consultation, which allowed residents, businesses and stakeholders to comment on the draft plan. The plan is now being reviewed following comments received and may be updated before it is formally submitted to Fenland District Council.

Tydd St Giles Neighbourhood Area

Tydd St Giles Parish Council applied for the designation of the whole parish of Tydd St Giles as a neighbourhood area, which was approved by Fenland District Council in January 2015.

Tydd St Giles Parish Council advised Fenland District Council in January 2016 that it has taken the decision to no longer progress the Tydd St Giles Neighbourhood Plan.