Eckington's new community green space, derived from a Neighbourhood Plan, has been highly lauded as a 'fantastic example'.

The area, named Eckington Community Fields, was born out of a seven-acre plot donated to the village as part of a housing development.

More than 170 trees have been planted, together with various wildflowers and new hedgerows.

Accessible paths have also been installed.

The Neighbourhood Plan, formed through discussions with residents, identified a need for a natural space that could be utilised by people of all ages.

The village was not only given the land but £200,000 was given to the parish council to develop the project.

Another £61,000 has been secured through planning agreements, £24,000 through Wychavon’s New Homes Bonus scheme and £63,157 from Worcestershire County Council’s Natural Networks programme.

The green space has a bright future with plans for a community orchard, memorial garden, community garden with micro allotments, a natural play area and a small car park in the pipeline.

There are also discussions about transforming a disused building on the site into a new community facility in the future.

Cllr Tim Knight, chair of Eckington Parish Council, said: “We decided if we are going to have to take the housing, then we may as well get some benefit for the village.

"Having a Neighbourhood Plan has allowed us to do that.

“Not only have we ended up with less housing than was originally proposed, but it’s also given us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something that will have lasting benefit for the community.”

Cllr Emma Kearsey, executive board member for Planning, Infrastructure and Urban Design, on Wychavon District Council, said: “The Eckington Community Fields project is a fantastic example of how Neighbourhood Plans are playing a vital role in shaping communities in the way residents themselves want.

“We have pledged support and promotion of Neighbourhood Plans over the next four years in our new We Are Wychavon Plan.

"The aim is for the majority of Wychavon to have a Neighbourhood Plan in place to allow the opportunities Eckington now enjoys to be replicated across the district.”

Go to www.wychavon.gov.uk/neighbourhood-planning to find out more about Neighbourhood Planning.