A PUBLIC hearing was held in Bude recently, allowing members of the community to learn more about the development of the Bude Neighbourhood Plan.

The examiner, John Slater, met with representatives of Cornwall Council and the chair of the steering group, Bude town mayor Cllr Lea Deely.

Five members of the public, as well as members of the steering group and Bude-Stratton Town Council attended the hearing on the morning of Tuesday, December 13 at the Parkhouse Centre.

The examiner wished to clarify certain points regarding the allocation of suitable sites for housing in the town council area. He has gone back to consider the answers given and hopes to send a report to Cornwall Council in early January.

The examiner can do one of three things: accept the plan as written; accept the plan with amendments; or reject the plan.

Now the town council must wait to see what decision the examiner reaches. If the plan is accepted — whether amended or not — it is thought that the public referendum will be held at the same time as the local elections in May.