WYRE Forest residents, businesses and community groups have until the end of July to share their views on helping shape future planning processes.

Worcestershire County Council is giving people the opportunity to have their say on two key documents that will set out how the public can engage in future decisions and help applicants reduce potential delays when making applications.

The Draft Statement of Community Involvement Update (SCI) and Planning Validation documents can be viewed at worcestershire.gov.uk/planningconsultation. Comments can be left until Wednesday, July 30 through the dedicated web section on the county council website.

The SCI is aiming to involve more people and groups in the planning process by setting out how everyone has a chance to be informed, get involved and be consulted in the most appropriate ways.

Its purpose is to create opportunities for anyone interested – individuals or groups – to have a stake in decisions on minerals, waste and county planning matters within Worcestershire. All development plan documents prepared and planning applications determined by the county council have to comply with the consultation arrangements set out in the document.

For anyone not able to access the documents online paper copies can be viewed at County Hall, Worcester. Comments on the SCI can be emailed to sp@worcestershire.gov.uk and via validdoc@worcestershire.gov.uk for the Draft Planning Validation Document.