Residents of the Feock parish will soon be asked to vote on its neighbourhood plan which aims to give the parish some control over future developments.

Over the last four years, the Feock Parish Neighbourhood Plan steering group has created a plan based on the wishes of the people of the parish, which includes Carnon Downs, Devoran, Feock, Penelewey and Point and Penpol.

In late 2013 a questionnaire was sent to every household which included questions about local housing, facilities, employment, the environment, health and wellbeing and education.

From that start, through community meetings and lengthy surveys and consultations, the steering group arrived at a plan that was guided by the community and endorsed by the parish council.

In order for the plan to be adopted by Cornwall Council, it must be supported at a referendum of Feock parish registered voters. The referendum is being held on Thursday, March 8, and all residents of the parish will have the chance to vote and should have by now received a polling card through the post.

The question residents will be asked to vote on is: “Do you want Cornwall Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Feock to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

If the plan is not adopted then Cornwall Council will only use the Cornwall wide Local Plan and National Planning Policy Framework to decide planning applications within Feock parish.

If more than 50 per cent of those voting support the plan, it will be adopted. Parish councillors are hoping for a large turnout so that they can be sure that the wishes of the people of Feock are represented and respected.

The final Plan is available to inspect at the parish council’s offices in Devoran, Carnon Downs Surgery, St Feock Community Hall and Cornwall Council’s Truro One Stop Shop and online at cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/neighbourhood-planning/neighbourhood-planning-in-cornwall/tab-placeholder/a-i/feock-neighbourhood-development-plan/.

Anyone with any queries regarding the plan should get in touch with Debra Roberts, parish clerk, on 01872 863333 or email debra@feockparishcouncil.co.uk.