RESIDENTS of two Wokingham Borough parishes are to be asked for their views on vision documents that will shape their communities for years to come.
Neighbourhood plans for Twyford and Finchampstead were prepared by their respective parish councils, with input from the local community.
Both plans underwent a six-week public consultation period and have since been deemed by an independent examiner to be fit for referendum.
Residents of Twyford can respond to their plans on Thursday, July 6, while the referendum for Finchampstead will take place on Thursday, September 7.
Wokingham Borough Council says that neighbourhood plans help guide the type and quality of development, and better reflect communities’ wishes.
Cllr Lindsay Ferris, executive member for planning and local plan, said: “Neighbourhood plans offer local residents a voice in helping to manage new development which comes forward in their area, so we encourage people to play their part in this process.
”The parish councils and volunteers have spent many hours producing plans to help reflect the unique character and circumstances of each parish and add value to how development is shaped.
“The more people who vote, the more these plans can truly be said to reflect residents’ views, so please take the time to participate.”
If the plans pass this final stage with more than 50% of the vote they will be adopted or ‘made’.
This means they will become part of the formal framework that helps the council decide planning applications in the two parishes.
To find out more about the referendum process, including how and where to vote and what happens next, visit Wokingham Borough Council’s neighbourhood plan page
All the plan documents are available to view online, or residents can view hard copies at the council offices in Shute End, Wokingham.
They can also be seen at Wokingham and Twyford Libraries.
