VILLAGERS in West Lavington, near Devizes have until January 12 to have their say on a draft neighbourhood plan that will shape their community.

The seven week consultation period on the draft West Lavington Neighbourhood Plan is an opportunity for people to say what they like and dislike about proposals for housing and land that should be protected.

Sandra Gamble, who is the lead neighbourhood plan steering group member and chairman of West Lavington Parish Council, said: "It is a substantial document, representing a great deal of work over a long period of time and sets out our vision, objectives and policies designed to ensure that West Lavington and Littleton Panell maintain their uniqueness over the period 2017 to 2026.

"Our Vision is to provide a planning framework and policies that will stimulate appropriate development for the community, especially for young families and older residents, and to enhance the local economy, community facilities and services whilst also conserving the village and countryside environment."

The plan is made up of a draft document, policies map and a housing allocation brief. Mrs Gamble said: "The Neighbourhood Plan will seek to protect and enhance the natural and built environment of the two villages and the wider parish which forms the character of where we live.

"All comments and suggestions received as part of this latest consultation on this formal draft plan will be carefully considered and if appropriate the Draft Neighbourhood Plan will be amended accordingly."

Paper copies of the draft plan will be available in the Market Lavington and Devizes Libraries and at the Costcutters shop, the Surgery and the Churchill public house in West Lavington. Or go to www.westlavington.org.uk.

Community drop in sessions will be held in the Giles Room at West Lavington Village Hall on December 2 from 10am to 1pm, December 19 from 6pm to 9pm, January 6 from 10am to 1pm and January 10 from 6pm to 9pm.