A CONSULATION has now opened into Stratford District Council's final version of the Local Plan before it is submitted to the government.

Residents, businesses and other interested parties will have the opportunity to make final comments on the plan that, once adopted, will manage development across the district until 2031.

The final version was approved by councillors at a full council meeting last month.

The Core Strategy looks ahead to 2031 and identifies the broad locations, scale and type of development and supporting infrastructure that will take place.

This includes 10,800 new homes in the district - an average of 540 a year - including 3,000 at Gaydon and Lighthorne Health, with 2,500 dwellings to be built by 2031.

It also covers community issues such as quality of life, the environment, housing, education, community safety and the economy.

Councillor Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford District Council, said: “This stage is different from previous consultations as we are now required to ask residents and other interested parties if they believe that the plan is sound and whether we’ve provided enough evidence to support our proposals.

"This is clearly an important milestone in the future of the district, as we formally define how we will manage the range and location of development up to 2031.

"I will particularly welcome views from the public at this stage of the plan, even if they have made comments previously. "

To view the documents, visit stratford.gov.uk/corestrategy or call Planning Policy on 01789 260334. The deadline for comments is 5pm on Thursday, July 17.