Final chance to have your say on planning vision

8.24.05pm GMT Mon 17th Mar 2008

• RICHMOND Council's planning vision for the borough over the next 15 years will be submitted to the Government on 20 March.

The Local Development Framework Core Strategy sets out the Council's approach to key issues such as housing, the economy, shopping and transport. The document has been drawn up following extensive public consultation and focuses on three key themes: sustainability, protecting local character and meeting people's needs. It will be sent to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government next week and then forwarded to an independent inspector for approval. Comments on the strategy will be accepted, in writing, until 5pm on 1 May, and will be considered by the inspector.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said:"We are confident this planning vision will protect and enhance the borough in the years ahead, reducing our contribution to climate change and stressing the need for sustainable development. It has been produced following wide-ranging public consultation in which our policies received broad support. Once the strategy is submitted to the Secretary of State, this is the final opportunity to make representations which will be considered by the independent inspector at a public inquiry in the autumn."