1.8 We are committed to giving people a bigger say and involving communities and stakeholders in the preparation of the Local Plan. We have involved community representatives in preparing the Options document. This Options document is published for consultation over an eight-week period, from 12 February to 8 April. We are encouraging all residents and stakeholders to comment on and give your views on the options we have presented. This is a major opportunity to have your say and help influence future change. There will be a range of in-person and web-based events to explain and discuss the Options during the consultation period. Please make sure you submit your comments by 8 April.
1.9 We will continue to work with communities and other stakeholders in progressing towards a Draft Local Plan, particularly those places where development may be focused. Once prepared and approved by the council later in the year, the Draft Local Plan will also be published for consultation for a period of at least six weeks.This will offer a further opportunity to submit comments on the Draft Local Plan. The comments received and the Draft Local Plan itself are then submitted for Examination by a government appointed Planning Inspector. Those individuals and organisations that object to the Draft Local Plan will have the opportunity to participate in the Examination.