THE process of community-led planning continues in the Bude and Stratton area as the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group goes out to gauge the public's opinion of its work.

From now until September 18, residents will be asked to view the policies in the draft neighbourhood plan to make sure they are a true reflection of what people asked for.

When completed, the Bude-Stratton Neighbourhood Plan will set out details of land use planning policies for the area and this public consultation is an opportunity for the community to shape the future development of the area.

Over the past two years, in a series of public meetings, and through a number of surveys, the people of Bude-Stratton told the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group what they would like to see their town look like in the future.

Now it is time for the people of Bude-Stratton to check that the policies are an accurate reflection of what people said — before the plan is submitted to Cornwall Council.

Lea Deely, Chair of the Bude-Stratton Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: "We now have a Draft Neighbourhood Plan, and we've constructed a questionnaire that explains the reasons for writing the policies and then it asks, policy by policy, for people's views."

She added: "It is vital that residents take the opportunity to complete the survey so that we can prepare a plan that meets the wishes of the people."

Both the draft plan and questionnaire are available online by going to the Bude-Stratton Neighbourhood Plan website http://www.budestrattonnp.org">www.budestrattonnp.org.

It will also be available as a paper document from the Town Council offices, Bude Library or by contacting a member of the Steering Group.

The Steering Group recognises that the involvement of as many people as possible is essential to the success of the Neighbourhood Plan, and has been keeping the public informed throughout the process of its progress via regular updates to the website, as well as the group's Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/budestrattonnp">www.facebook.com/budestrattonnp and the Twitter account @BudeStrattonNP.

The Bude-Stratton Neighbourhood Plan focuses on land use and other issues such as employment and environment. When complete, following independent examination and a local referendum, it will be lodged with Cornwall Council where it will have statutory powers to influence decisions on planning and related matters.

Mrs Deely said: "It is essential that we have a Neighbourhood Plan that truly reflects the preferences of Bude and Stratton residents and gives us a greater degree of local control over future developments."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.