BOSSES at Test Valley Borough Council have launched a public consultation on the drafting of its new Local Plan.

The authority has published an Issues and Options document, which is looking to encourage residents across the borough to consider the issues that Test Valley, and those who work and live within it, will face.

Council chiefs are asking community members on their opinions on how to best deal with those issues.

Feedback will contribute towards the development of detailed policies for the next stage of the plan preparation.

Planning portfolio holder, cllr Nick Adams-King, said: "I would encourage everyone to get involved and let us know your thoughts and ideas. This is your chance to have your say at the very beginning of the process of drafting the new Local Plan and your feedback could help to make a real difference."

The Local Plan is a statutory document which sets out the vision for land across the borough will be used in planning terms. It stipulates the scale and location of growth, the infrastructure required and how certain areas of the borough will then be protected from development.

The council adopted its current Local Plan in January 2016, which covers the period up to 2029.

The consultation will run until September 14 and can be viewed at www.testvalley.gov.uk/nextlocalplan.