Calne’s "First-Class" Plan: Putting Climate at the Heart of the Community
When the communities of Calne set out to review their Neighbourhood Plan, they didn't just want a technical update—they wanted a roadmap for the future. With both councils having already signed a Climate Emergency and Environmental Pledge, and an active action group working for a more sustainable future in the town, the aim was to translate those priorities into an update of thier statutory planning document.
The updated plan addresses the "twin crises" of climate and biodiversity, builds a framework for local action through:
The Calne Community Energy Company: Creating a route for local, sustainable power.
Marden Valley Country Park: Realising a long-held community aspiration by designating 50 hectares of Local Green Space for nature and recreation.
Measurable Targets: Establishing clear criteria and indicators to ensure climate and biodiversity action is tracked, not just talked about.
A clear endorsement from the community resulted in 92% community YES vote in the February 2025 referendum.
The Calne Neighbourhood Plan was praised by the examiner as a “first-class example of a neighbourhood plan review” that effectively updated the plan, consolidated revisions within the existing structure, and took “a very positive approach to sustainable development.”
You can take a look at the review Plan by clicking this link.
We’ve written a journal post about the Local Green Space Designation - one of the largest in England. Click here (TO COME) to read it.
“We can’t thank you enough for the fantastic job you have done for us reviewing and updating our Neighbourhood Plan. Without your extensive professional knowledge and tireless, patient explanations our task would have been impossible.
I hope you are as delighted as we are with the outcome of the referendum and the quality of the final document. We look forward to putting the plan into action and hope that we call on your expertise again as we work on implementing future projects.”
