RESIDENTS of Thornbury are being invited to have their say on how the town should develop in the future as part of a town-wide survey.

The survey, which is being conducted by the volunteers of the Neighbourhood Plan group, aims to collect the community’s views on what they feel is most important for Thornbury across a range of issues, including services and facilities, development and housing, town centre and employment, and environment and open spaces.

Responses will be used to give direction to the ongoing work for Thornbury’s Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) which will reflect the localised needs and issues of residents and set out a vision for the town and its future.

While the plan cannot block development that is part of the South Gloucestershire Local Plan, but will give the town more control over the number of new homes to be built, where new homes should go, the type of housing that are needed and how new homes are designed and built.

The NDP, which is being funded by the town council, will also look at a wealth of other issues including the local economy, jobs, shops and town centre services, as well as transport, the protection of the environment and community infrastructure such as schools health facilities.

Thornbury mayor Cllr Helen Harrison said: “The views of the local community are central to the development of Thornbury’s neighbourhood plan, so it really is important that local people participate and have their say.

“Our neighbourhood plan needs to reflect Thornbury, so that we can make sure that as our town grows, we don’t lose it character and identity and we provide the homes services and facilities the town needs.”

The plan is likely to take two years to complete, with work already having been carried out over the past six months, and will require approval through a local referendum.

The survey will run until February 26. To take part, visit www.thornburyplan.co.uk, or collect a paper copy from Thornbury Town Hall.