RESIDENTS in part of Kidderminster will now have a greater say in developments that happen in their area.

Wyre Forest District Council has formally adopted the Churchill & Blakedown Neighbourhood Plan, at a meeting last night (July 26).

In May, a referendum was held asking residents if they wanted the authority to use the Neighbourhood Plan when considering planning applications for the parish.

Electors voted in favour of the plan with 87.8 per cent saying yes. There was a 39.6 per cent turnout.

Neighbourhood Plans are part of a package of measures introduced by central Government to allow communities more say in the development that takes place in their area.

It sets out policies to guide development and can allocate sites for specific uses. The Plan was prepared by the Parish Council, which has been working with the District Council.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration said: “The Parish Council has worked hard to bring about its Neighbourhood Plan.

“It allows local people to get the right type of development for their community and also meets the needs of the wider area.

“It’s a great example of how we can work with communities to make sure development in our area is appropriate for all.”

Councillor Roger Shade, Chairman of Churchill & Blakedown Parish Council added: “The Parish Council view the adoption of our Neighbourhood Plan as an important milestone in the history of our Community.

“It has received an impressive 'Yes' vote from the electorate and will be used by Wyre Forest District Council when determining planning applications.

“The development of the Plan has involved a lot of hard work and determination and we could not have achieved it without the help and support of Wyre Forest District Council.”