Thornbury residents could soon have more control over development in the town.

For the last three years members of the community including town councillors have been working to create a Neighbourhood Plan.

The plan lets communities influence development taking place in their area and has been created to address concerns about the future of the town.

Once it gets approval, all planning applications have to be checked against its policies.

The proposed Thornbury plan covers: The development of housing (type, design, tenure etc.), local employment and opportunities for businesses, protecting the character and identity of Thornbury, Thornbury town centre and the provision of services and facilities, green and open spaces and connections, protecting the natural environment and mitigating against the impact of climate change, and transport and access issues.

The plan does not cover the amount of development taking place as this is decided in the higher-level South Gloucestershire Local Plan.

A public consultation begins on Saturday and runs until April 25. Tricia Down, chair of Thornbury Neighbourhood Plan, said: “Please read the plan when it is released and respond to help us to keep our town thriving!”

The plan, and accompanying survey, will be available to view in the town hall and library or online at thornburyplan.co.uk.

All comments will be looked at and changes made if necessary. Once it has gone through all the planning stages, the Plan will go to a referendum of all residents of Thornbury parish for approval.

Once it is approved, it will become part of the planning requirements for any development that might take place in our area.

Members of the Neighbourhood Plan group will be at the St Mary’s Centre on March 7 and April 18 and in the Cossham Hall on March 21.