On Thursday 19 March 2026, residents across seven Maidenhead wards will have the opportunity to vote on whether to adopt the Maidenhead Neighbourhood Plan. Neighbourhood plans give local communities a voice in shaping future development — from the look and feel of new buildings, to the infrastructure and amenities needed to support a growing town.
The plan sets out policies through to 2039 that will influence planning decisions in the wards of Belmont, Boyn Hill, Furze Platt, Oldfield, Pinkneys Green, Riverside and St Mary’s.
The Maidenhead Neighbourhood Plan puts forward guidance in a number of areas, including:
- managing the height, scale and design of new buildings,
- increasing the supply of affordable and family homes,
- protecting local heritage and neighbourhood character,
- improving walking, cycling and public transport connections,
- supporting climate conscious, sustainable development.
If approved, the plan will become part of the statutory development plan for the Royal Borough and will be used when determining planning applications within the designated neighbourhood area.
The Maidenhead Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared by the Maidenhead Neighbourhood Forum, an independent group of residents and businesses formally recognised by the council. The plan was previously subject to public consultation between September and October 2025.
Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Planning and Governance, Cllr Adam Bermange, said: “A neighbourhood plan is an important document that influences how an area evolves. This referendum gives residents an opportunity to decide whether the Maidenhead Neighbourhood Plan should be used to help decide planning applications in the Maidenhead neighbourhood area - we encourage everyone eligible to take part and make their voice heard.”
Eligible voters within the neighbourhood area can vote in person or by post. Polling cards for registered voters should begin arriving from Saturday 28 February. Residents who have recently moved or not previously registered to vote must complete a registration application by 11.59pm on Tuesday 3 March to take part in the referendum and their poll cards will be sent out once they are added to the electoral register. Applications for postal votes must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 4 March.
Further information about the referendum and the Maidenhead Neighbourhood Plan is available on the council’s neighbourhood plans and elections and voting webpages.
