People in Newcastle are being urged to have their say on proposals for the future of their area.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has published the first draft of its emerging local plan, which still has two more stages to go through before it is formally adopted.

When its finished, the local plan will be a document the council refers to when deciding whether or not to grant planning permission for future developments.

It sets out where the council thinks houses and local amenities should be built, and how the borough will develop over the next 15-20 years.

Residents have an opportunity to shape the document during its draft stages, to make sure the plan meets their needs.

Any comments made about the first draft will be considered when completing the final version, and once people have had a chance to comment on the final copy it will be sent to the government for approval.

The plan will outline where houses and amenities will be built and how the borough will develop over the next 15-20 years (Nub News).

Cllr Andrew Fear, portfolio holder for strategic planning at the council, said the authority had done its best to come up with something which meets housing need as well as preserving desirable aspects of the area such as green spaces.

He said: "We've worked very hard to develop on brownfield. Also I think it's important to remember this is a consultation exercise.

"We are looking for suggestions at this stage, as well as comments on the suggestions in the plan."

He cautioned that any new ideas which come forward must adhere to national planning guidelines.

He said: "There's little point going out onto a football pitch and then suggesting one should play a game of rugby.

"We have to play by the rules, but nonetheless the call is still there for extra suggestions."

Cllr Fear believes the plan is as much about protecting the borough as it is about building new developments.

He said: "This is the way we can ensure some of these green spaces we've put aside remain green. It's the way we can have democratic control over development in our community."

Councillors believe the plan should be about protecting the borough as well as developing it (Nub News).

People will be able to submit their comments during the consultation period which opens 19th June.

There are seven events scheduled for, plus a virtual consultation, for people to view the draft local plan and ask questions – details of which will be published on the council's website.

People can submit their responses digitally and in physical form, and all councillors will be offered a briefing about the document so they can help people who have any questions about it.

Cllr Fear urged people to take the opportunity to get involved in the process, and not lose their democratic voice.

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