VILLAGERS could get to vote on how their communities are developed over the coming years.

Trull and Staplehay has become the first parish to submit a proposed Neighbourhood Development Plan to Taunton Deane Council outlining their wishes up to 2028.

An independent inspector will look at the document and then decide whether to hold a referendum.

The parish of Bishops Lydeard and Cothelstone is also undertaking a neighbourhood plan, while West Monkton and Cheddon Fitzpaine are working on a joint plan.

The Trull and Staplehay plan outlines a wish for local shops, a safe welcoming community, a good school and support for employment.

It also looks to improve flood management and provide green spaces, outdoor relaxation facilities and tree and hedgerow planting.

It says the parish opposes large scale housing development, while admitting local opinions carry little weight in the matter.

Cllr Roger Habgood, who holds the planning policy portfolio at the Deane House, said: “All of the hard work undertaken by the Trull Neighbourhood Plan group and the input from others in refining the plan has now reached a critical point.

“I await with interest to hear what the independent inspector has to say.

“I trust the considered views of the community will be valued and are upheld.”

A public consultation started last Thursday and goes on until Friday, November 13 – the plan can be viewed on the council’s website or at its offices.