THE PUBLIC will be asked to have their say next year on a document that will shape the future of housing developments in Test Valley.

The borough council’s cabinet has agreed the timeline for the generation of a new local plan, which will see it go out to consultation in early 2022.

The document sets out the policies and guidelines for planning up and down the borough, and the council says it wants it to help look after the environment while making provision for the facilities and services that the community needs. Later in 2022, the full draft will be consulted on, having taken into account the first consultation’s responses, which will include allocations for new housing. Deputy leader, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “I know that planning and its policies can be a complex system and often the first interaction around planning policy that residents can have is when they hear of an application.

“We would love residents to get involved now, and tell us their opinions about all things to do with how we should shape our communities going forward. I made a commitment that our Local Plan consultation would be as accessible and wide ranging as possible, a two-stage approach means we can lead on evidence, while ensuring the public’s view is incorporated at every turn.”