RESIDENTS in Alvechurch are being urged to have a final say on what they think of the village now and how it should be improved.

For the past five years Alvechurch Parish Council has been preparing a neighbourhood plan to guide future developments up to the year 2030.

Put together by a steering group of councillors and local residents, it will fit alongside Bromsgrove District Council’s Local Plan, formally adopted in January 2017, and recent strategic county council plans for infrastructure and rail investment.

It aims to make sure future housing is built in favourable locations and that local amenities can accommodate future housing growth.

The draft plan is about to go through a final six-week public consultation before its formal submission.

Parish council chairman Andy Humphries said: “This is the final chance for local people to have their say and tell the parish council what they think of their community now and how they feel it should develop.

"A huge amount of work has gone into the plan and it’s important local people feel they understand and agree with its aims."

The final consultation starts with a three-day drop-in event at Alvechurch Baptist Church on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 5, 6 and 7 where residents can look at the draft plan and accompanying documents and make any final comments.

The church will be open from 2 to 8pm on Thursday, 3 to 8pm on Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday, and parish councillors will be on hand to answer questions.

Anyone who can't make the sessions can get a copy of the plan (for a charge) from Alvechurch Parish Council on 0121 447 8016 or on email via clerk@alvechurch.gov.uk.

All comments must be received by Friday, November 17.

It is hoped that next year it will be independently examined, then people will be able to approve it formally in a parish referendum.