THIS month I’d like to highlight the forthcoming consultation on Local Plan Options. Once adopted, the Local Plan will be a guiding document to shape the future of our communities over the next 20 years.

As I wrote in my last column, we are all aware of the urgent need for more housing across our area. I’m sure we all know someone who has not been able to find an affordable place to live that is near to work or family and has been forced to look further afield.

We need more social housing and council housing, affordable housing, reasonably priced starter homes, as well as smaller dwellings in our villages for long-term residents who want to ‘downsize’ but stay in the community.

Solving our housing challenges depends on providing the infrastructure communities need to be sustainable and will also help local businesses attract staff and unlock economic potential.

However, the huge housing targets imposed by central government on Bath & North East Somerset threaten the Chew Valley with uncontrolled house building in unsuitable places from predatory developers.

That’s why we need a strong Local Plan to push back against such proposals and residents’ input will be vital.

You will be able to have your say on how you would like to see your community develop over the coming years. Public consultation on the reset Local Plan Options document will take place from Friday, October 3, to Thursday, November 13. Please take this opportunity to engage and share your views.

Dave Harding and Anna Box, your hardworking ward Councillors, have been campaigning to help preserve vital village green spaces.

I am delighted that Bath & North East Somerset Council, as a result of their support and effort, has been able to safeguard the Stanton Drew Recreational Area (the Children's Play Area) and Bishop Sutton FC ground from development.

Coupled with the excellent work of the Stanton Drew Parish Council and the football club committee, Bath & North East Somerset Council had been able to complete community asset transfers in both Stanton Drew and Bishop Sutton.

Finally, in the coming weeks please keep an eye out for an email or letter about the electoral register from Bath & North East Somerset Council. In our democracy, it’s vitally important that everyone who is eligible to vote can have their say.

The annual canvass is our way of ensuring that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your vote at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.

The emails are being sent by the Electoral Registration Officer with the subject line ‘Check and confirm your household voter details’.

Residents can verify the email is not a scam by visiting the Bath & North East Somerset Council website (www.bathnes.gov.uk/annual-canvass) or by calling the electoral services team on 01225 477333. Residents can also send an email to [email protected].