NORTH Petherton residents are being asked to have their say as the town develops a new Neighbourhood Plan, aiming to ensure future housing developments take local opinion into account.

The new Neighbourhood Plan was the main talking point at North Petherton’s Annual Town Meeting held on Monday, April 10 in Ferrydown House and had around 40 residents in attendance. The town council has hired consultancy company Lemon Gazelle to help put together the plan, and managing director Mark Goodman attended to give a short presentation.

“This neighbourhood plan should help residents have a say in future developments. We cannot impact the number of houses as that is set by central government, but we can influence where they go, what amenities they come with and so on,” Mr Goodman said.

Mayor of North Petherton, Cllr Alan Bradford said: “In recent years we have seen two major developments in Wilstock and Stockmoor and I think it is fair to say we have encountered a few problems.

“A Neighbourhood Plan will let us have our say in regards to what should come with these developments; where the houses should be built, extra school places, medical facilities and better parking.

“The Neighbourhood Plan will cover the entire parish including Wilstock, Stockmoor, Rhode, Huntworth, Moorland, Farringdon and North Newton among others.”

Cllr Julian Taylor added: “Having a neighbourhood plan will give us a stronger framework to appeal decisions that we do not agree with and will give our opinions and challenges more weight.”

North Petherton Town Council and Lemon Gazelle are hoping to get as many people to give their thoughts in a broad survey designed to get the ball rolling. To fill in a survey head to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/npndpsurvey or ring 01647 432967 to ask about obtaining a physical copy.

The mayor concluded the meeting by thanking the residents for coming. “It is nice to see so many people here tonight taking interest in local issues,” he said.