RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on the plan that will shape Darlington’s future over the next two decades.

The consultation period for the Draft Darlington Local Plan 2016-36 ends on Thursday, August 2.

Until then, any individual or group can give their views on any aspect of the 20-year policy document.

Darlington Borough Council’s masterplan for the town includes 55 policies, such as transport and protecting historic interests, as well as sites it considers would be best for housing developments.

The Local Plan has been developed by the authority’s planning policy team over two and a half years using population, transport and economic data to forecast future development in the borough.

Its purpose is to ensure that future development takes place in sustainable locations, supported by community facilities and infrastructure, while helping the council to restrict building proposals in less suitable locations.

Members of the council’s planning policy team are offering one to one consultation events. Earlier consultations have been held at Darlington Community Carnival and the Dolphin Centre.

David Hand, the council’s head of planning policy and economic strategy, said: “We’re delighted with the level of engagement so far, people are really taking the opportunity to chat to the team and ask questions.

“We decided to do drop-in sessions at accessible locations on various days and at different times for the simple reason that it means more people get the chance to take part. These drop-in sessions offer opportunities to have one to one discussions with officers who have been directly involved with the production of the draft plan.

“The comments we’ve had so far have been constructive and people are engaging with us about the content of the plan – they might not always agree about every aspect but they’re having their say and that’s what is important.”

Three further consultation drop in sessions will take place at the Dolphin Centre on Tuesday, July 17 from 2pm to 6pm, Saturday, July 28 from 11am to 3pm, and Monday, July 30 from 3pm to 7pm.

Printed copies of the Local Plan and the policy maps are available to view in Crown Street and Cockerton libraries and at customer services in the town hall until August 2. It can also be read at www.darlington.gov.uk/localplan.