If approved by local people, Falmouth's Neighbourhood Plan could set the town’s agenda for the next decade and residents are invited to have their say on its content at a series of drop-in sessions.

The plan’s aim is to limit inappropriate housing developments, protect vital open spaces, create a new green corridor and provide a powerful tool that will help councillors to repel planning applications that threaten the town’s future prosperity.

Following extensive community engagement during 2015 and 2016, Falmouth Town Council (FTC) has now published the first draft of its neighbourhood plan in a second phase of consultation that runs until Friday, February 17.

To view and comment on the draft plan, local residents are being encouraged to go online at planforfalmouth.info, call into Falmouth library during normal opening hours or attend drop-in sessions, where you can also put questions to members of the plan team. These sessions will be held in the Municipal Buildings on The Moor on Tuesday, January 24; at Falmouth Watersports Centre, on Tuesday, February 7; and on The Moor on Saturday, February 11 - all from 11am to 3pm. There will also be another session between 6.30pm and 8.30pm in Falmouth School's library on Wednesday, February 15.

“We are doing everything we possibly can to raise awareness about Falmouth’s draft neighbourhood plan and ensure that it accurately reflects the concerns and aspirations of everyone who is registered to vote in local elections,” said Cllr Candy Atherton who chairs the town council’s neighbourhood plan steering group.

"Local people have around five weeks to find out more about the ideas that are being proposed and share their feedback with us. We are constrained by national and county planning policies and housing targets, some aspects of which may not appeal to everyone, but we believe the plan is both well balanced and positive. Our guiding principle is to work collaboratively and establish the most effective plan we can for our very special town - so please do engage with the consultation process and have your say.”

When all feedback has been considered, the plan will be submitted to Cornwall Council for scrutiny and become the subject of a referendum later in the spring. If local residents vote positively, the plan will be made in law and used to secure the best possible future for the town and its people.