PEOPLE are to be given a say on future development in and around their picture-postcard village.

A draft document is being prepared which will act as a guideline for any future development in the Ampleforth area near Helmsley.

The conservation area assessment and management plan has been drawn up by Ryedale District Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority following consultation.

It aims to define the qualities and characteristics that are special to Ampleforth to ensure that they are maintained and, where possible, enhanced by future planning decisions.

Building conservation officer Emma Woodland said: "Ampleforth is obviously well-known for its abbey and college but the village itself has many other buildings of note as well as a range of attributes held in high esteem by those who live there."

An open event will be held at the village hall on June 12 from 2pm to 8pm to seek residents' views on the document.

Copies of the draft plan are available to view from Ryedale District Council, the National Park Authority or online at www.ryedale.gov.uk or www.moors.uk.net