RESIDENTS in Churchill and Blakedown may soon be able to influence where developments go in their parish after the Neighbourhood Plan was resubmitted to Wyre Forest District Council.

The original Churchill and Blakedown Neighbourhood Plan was submitted for examination in April 2016 but, following feedback from an examiner, the plan was subsequently withdrawn to allow for further investigations into any environmental impact the plan may have.

Throughout the next eight weeks, residents and interested parties will be able to have their say on the resubmitted draft plan - which will then be considered by an independent examiner.

The draft plan sets out policies to guide development within the parish. It suggests specific details on the type of housing that can be built within the parish and sets out policies to guide the design of development and retain the characteristics of the parish.

The examination is due to take place in January or February and the examiner will look at things such as whether the plan is based on sound evidence and whether it meets legal requirements.

There would also need to be a referendum in the parish to ask residents if they would like the plan to come into force and be used by the district council when determining planning applications. It is thought this will take place in spring 2017.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, said: "Neighbourhood Planning is intended to enable local communities to have a major say in shaping development in their area.

"It allows local people to get the right type of development for their community and also meets the needs of the wider area.

"We have been working with Churchill and Blakedown Parish Council throughout this process and would welcome comments on the draft Neighbourhood Plan."

The consultation on the Neighbourhood Plan runs until 9am on Wednesday, January 25.

For more information and details on how to comment on the plan, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning.