A message of thanks has gone out to people who went along to a series of planning events outlining the shape of Bath and North East Somerset over the next twenty years.

Bath and North East Somerset Council held five public events giving people the chance to review and comment on the Local Plan, 2016–2036.

Residents still have until Wednesday, 10th January to get involved and have their say on the emerging plan, which at this stage, covers the key priorities for Bath and North East Somerset’s strategic development sites at Whitchurch and North Keynsham, strategy for smaller development sites, and how university growth and student accommodation should be managed.

Public events were held at The Board Room, Bath College Somer Valley campus, the United Reform Church Hall, in Whitchurch, the Civic Centre, Keynsham and the Brunswick Room, Guildhall, Bath at the end of November and beginning of December.

Cllr Bob Goodman (Conservative, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Development and Neighbourhoods, said: “A lot of people came along to the events and we want to thank them for taking part. There is still time for anyone who wants to comment to get involved because people’s views will help inform the next stages of the plan.”

Bath resident and adviser for the Bath Preservation Trust, Ann Godfrey, added: “I would encourage everyone to take a look at these plans and see what is being proposed because it’s difficult to do anything about it after it’s agreed.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s new Local Plan works alongside the West of England’s Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) which addresses the sub-region’s severe shortage of housing, the need to generate jobs and the provision of critical infrastructure.

The JSP has been published as a draft plan and is now subject to formal consultation. The Local Plan is at an earlier options stage, which seeks to encourage discussion and comment on key issues and alternative approaches.

Find out more about the Local Plan and have your say at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/localplan and for the West of England Joint Spatial Plan, go to: www.jointplanningwofe.org.uk to see the plan and comment on it.