RESIDENTS have the chance to have their say on proposed plans for future development in their village and surrounding area.

The draft Neighbourhood Plan for Kempsey, near Worcester, covers the period between 2016 and 2030 and sets out a vision and policies to guide development in the parish.

This includes potential new housing, community, recreation and sports facilities, as well as the protection of heritage assets and the gap between Kempsey and Worcester.

Kempsey Parish Council has produced the document after working with the local community, and has now submitted it to Malvern Hills District Council for public consultation. This started on Friday and will run until 5pm on Friday, February 24.

Once the consultation is completed, the document will be subject to an independent examination and if approved a referendum will be held. If more than 50 per cent of voters in the parish back the plan, it will become part of the development plan and will be used when making future planning decisions.

Kempsey's district councillor David Harrison said: "Kempsey was the first community in the district to start the proceedings for a neighbourhood plan and received a government grant of £20,000 from Malvern Hills and the government to produce. This plan has been over four years in the making and I thank all those of both Kempsey Parish Council and the general community who have worked to bring this document to its final consultations”

Cllr Ann Smith, chair of the Kempsey Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: “The neighbourhood plan aims to ensure that Kempsey parish continues to be an identifiable, sustainable rural community with facilities to cater for the needs of the residents and local businesses.”

As we have reported, developer Taylor Wimpey is bidding to build 113 new homes on greenfield land between Old Road South and Pixham Ferry Lane in Kempsey.

The bid could also see the village get new sports facilities, including pitches and a community hall.

The draft neighbourhood plan is available at malvernhills.gov.uk/neighbourhood-planning.

Comments can be emailed to developmentplans@malvernhills.gov.uk or sent to Planning Policy at Malvern Hills District Council, Planning Services, The Council House, Avenue Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3AF.