THE final draft of the Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Plan has passed the examination stage and will now go out to a public referendum.

If more than 50 per cent of voters polled indicate a 'yes' vote, then West Oxfordshire District Council will use this plan to help decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area.

The referendum will take place on Thursday March 3 at polling stations in the town hall, in Chipping Norton, which will be open from 7am to 10pm.

People eligible to vote will be those who are registered to vote in Chipping Norton at local government elections, and if not registered may apply via www.gov.uk/register-to-vote no later than midnight on Tuesday February 16.

Applications to apply to vote by post must be received by 5pm on Wednesday February 17; and applications to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf must be received by 5pm on Wednesday February 24. In some circumstances a proxy application may be received after that date but no later than 5pm on the day of the poll.

Most postal votes will be sent out on Thursday February 18.

Information about the neighbourhood plan is also available for inspection by the public at The Guildhall, Chipping Norton; at the Chipping Norton Library; and at the district council offices, in Witney, during their respective opening hours. Details can also be found on the website: www.westoxon.gov.uk/chippingnorton.

The count will take place in the town hall immediately after the close of the poll and the result will be published on the website.