VILLAGERS near Malmesbury are being urged to have their say on the proposed future development plan.

Steering Group members for Sherston’s Neighbourhood Plan say the policy contained within the draft plan - which would shape

development until 2026 - wants locals to have another say.

The consultation period runs until April 9, where villagers and businesses can voice their opinions on the plan.

And people have been invited to a drop-in session on Saturday (March 17) at the British School Rooms from 10am-12.30pm.

The plan is a culmination of six years of work. It was drawn up following numerous workshops, public events, exhibitions, questionnaires and surveys with residents, to make sure it meets to the needs of the village.

John Matthews, chairman of Sherston Parish Council and of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: “It is in all of their interest to be able to shape the future of the village.

“The policies contained within the draft plan reflect the views of the

community obtained over the last few years at a succession of workshops and other public events as well as through a number of questionnaire surveys.

“The Steering Group is keen to hear the views of local residents, businesses and other interested parties on the draft plan before the plan is finalised.”

If accepted by the community, the Neighbourhood Plan sets out policies to manage development in the village until 2026.

The plan seeks to allocate development sites and establish local policies in line with the needs and wants of the village.

At the heart of the plan are 11 policies which seek to deal with six key issues.

These include protecting a wide range of existing community services, facilities and business premises, securing safe and inclusive access between the proposed new GP surgery, the primary school and the village centre, and allocating sufficient lad to meet future housing and community needs.

Documents relating to the plan are available online at www.sherston.org.uk.

Printed copies of the plan are also available to see at Sherston Post Office, the Tosley GP Surgery, Church of the Holy Cross and The Angel Hotel.