The consultation on the new local plan for South Warwickshire has opened, giving residents the opportunity to voice their opinions on development in the region.

The plan is being organised by Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils as the merging of the two bodies continues.

The plan will set out future planning policies, as well as identifying spaces for housing and job development. Issues surrounding climate change, wellbeing, connectivity and biodiversity are also to be considered.

The consultation will last six weeks, with residents being asked where they think future development might be located and how best to accommodate growth.

At the same time, the combined councils are running a 'call for sites' exercise inviting suggestions for potential sites that could be allocated for a variety of land uses.

Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder for Place and Economy, Councillor John Cooke said: "The South Warwickshire Local Plan will be critically important in the shaping of future development of the area over the next 30 years.

"For the first time, we will be working collaboratively with our neighbours at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, which will allow us to set out both councils' strategy for how we will meet our housing, employment, educational, leisure and other infrastructure needs in a sustainable way.

"Both authorities hope it will be a Plan that will impact positively on all of our lives, I therefore strongly encourage residents and businesses to share your thoughts and ideas with us."

You can find out more information on the new South Warwickshire Local Plan by following this link.

Comments on the consultation must be received by 5pm on Monday 21 June 2021.