Key consultation will shape borough's future

8.49.54pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 21st Sep 2007

Sustainable development is the theme of a major public consultation which will help shape the borough over the next 20 years

The public are being urged to have their say on a strategy which will determine how the borough will develop and help dictate the direction of key planning policies. The Council has hailed the consultation as one of the most important in recent years, and urged as many people as possible to have their say. Called the "Local Development Framework Core Strategy", its sets out three key, inter-related themes: a sustainable future, protecting local character and meeting people's needs. It seeks to ensure that the borough plays its full part in fighting climate change and is adapting to its effects. The Council's aim is for it to be an exemplar borough in terms of sustainability.

It also aims to protect the character of the environment and riverside and to reinforce the role of the five main town centres as the most accessible locations for shops, offices and leisure uses. It also seeks to help provide equality of opportunity for residents and promote improvements, particularly in the more disadvantaged parts of the borough. The document contains 20 proposed policies covering strategic themes such as sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions, protecting the open and built environment, and providing for future transport, housing, employment, recreational, social and community needs.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Martin Elengorn, said: "This consultation is one of the most important the Council has launched in recent years as it seeks to shape the future of the borough. The proposals set out a vision for the borough in 20 years' time and a strategy on how to achieve it. It's vital that local people take this opportunity to have their say on what is proposed. We want to hear from as many individuals, organisations and businesses as possible."