THREE parishes are set to go to the polls today to decide whether they support plans drawn up to shape future development in their communities, writes Richard Whitehouse, local democracy reporter.

Fowey, Gwennap and Lezant are each holding a referendum over their neighbourhood development plans today, Thursday, February 27.

Neighbourhood development plans are drawn up by people living and working in the relevant area and list policies which provide a guide for future developments.

Fowey has become the latest to include in its plan a policy which would limit the number of second homes in the area.

The neighbourhood development plan has a policy which states that any new homes built in the parish have to be principal homes and not second or holiday homes.

It follows in the footsteps of St Ives and Mevagissey which have adopted similar policies.

Other policies can state preferences for where developments should take place and how they fit into the neighbourhood.

The neighbourhood development plans have to be put to a referendum of local people before they can be adopted by Cornwall Council.

Once adopted they can be used as planning guidance for any planning applications which are submitted to the council.

The three referenda takes place today with polling stations open from 7am to 10pm in each area.

Voters will be asked to respond to one question: “Do you want Cornwall Council to use the neighbourhood plan to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

In Fowey the polling stations are at Fowey Parish Church and Squires Field Community Centre.

For Gwennap polling stations are open at Frogpool Sunday School Room and Crofthandy Village Hall.

Residents in Lezant can cast their votes at Trebullett Methodist Church.