First steps towards a local plan

Ashford Borough Council has launched (today) a public consultation to help shape the preparation of a new ‘local plan’ for the borough which looks ahead to 2030.

Work started on a review of Ashford Borough Council’s local plan (previously called the Core Strategy) earlier this year.

A crucial part of the process is estimating the growth expected in the economy of the area and the number of new homes that will be needed. The plan can then identify sufficient land to provide for these jobs and homes in the borough to 2030.

As the first part of that process the council is consulting residents, employers and the development industry on some initial options for jobs growth and new homes.

The consultation period runs until the 31st October 2012 and can be accessed at www.ashford.gov.uk/consult where you will find all the background information and an easy way to submit your views.

The responses will be used to help inform the council’s view on a preferred target for jobs and housing in the borough to 2030.

Over the next year the council will also be working with local communities to look at how and where new development should be located in the borough and seeing how best to match this to the community’s aspirations.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Deputy Leader for Ashford Borough Council, said: “This is the first step in stimulating the debate on the borough’s future and we wish to hear the views of the community to help inform the new local plan.

“This is only the start of the process which will take a few years to complete and there will be a series of opportunities for our residents and others to get involved.

“With the new emphasis on ‘localism’ there is now a greater opportunity for us all to shape the future of our own communities or neighbourhoods.”