The draft version of the document which would control how Falmouth develops in the short and long term, has been completed and those behind it are urging residents and business people to have their say on its contents.

The Falmouth Neighbourhood Development Plan has been developed by the town council working in partnership with representatives from the public and private sectors. It sets out their ambition, the priorities for change and the approach that will guide planning decisions in Falmouth.

Councillor Candy Atherton, chair of Falmouth Neighbourhood Plan Stakeholder Group, says: "The plan focuses on the key planning issues facing our town, setting out both the short term and longer term priorities for action to enable sustainable growth and increase prosperity. It aims to encourage and develop inclusive local partnership working around those priorities and to be a plan of action. It is also aimed at attracting public and private sector investment and will form the policy

basis of comprehensive funding bids to grant aiding bodies."

Among the proposals set out in the plan are plans for the future of Church Street car park which it claims "represents the greatest opportunity for Falmouth to make best use of one of its unrealised assets."

The plan states: "While the car parking has a very real current benefit, if most of that demand can be

relocated in the town then the car park can be developed to create a high quality public place, with limited new building development to provide new facilities and activities and create direct access to the marine activities of the harbour.

"If the opportunities arise from developing other sites (including the Quarry car park and the former TA site where some parking could be added) and some additional funding accessed, then this scheme could be realised in the future.

The plans include a publicly accessible multi-use space , the creation of new pontoons on the SE corner, small scale development to the rear of the Church Street properties, creation of further public space between the new waterfront and any new development for community activities and town events, a pavilion building near the SE corner and co-ordinated pop-up units along the waterfront to enhance public activity and a maritime amenity centre providing showers, toilets and laundry facilities.

The plan also sets out infill sites that could be developed for housing which include Quarry car park, the TA centre car park, the Four Winds, Rosslyn Hotel, Dell Garage backlands, Melville Road sidings and Ocean Bowl.

It also suggests how Falmouth should accommodate students and control the spread of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).

This pre-submission draft of the plan has been published at planforfalmouth.info where there are details of how to have your say. Printed copies can also be viewed at Falmouth Library where there are also forms which can be completed. The consultation period runs until February 17.