THE proposed new Hartlepool Local Plan will be discussed at a council meeting next week.

The environmental stewardship and regeneration scrutiny forum will consider a number of key non-housing issues at the Civic Centre, on Tuesday, at 10am.

The public are welcome to attend and there will be a chance for them to ask questions or make comments.

Local plans are statutory land use documents, prepared by councils to control and guide future development in their areas.

The current Hartlepool Local Plan was adopted in 1994 and is being reviewed. In March last year, the proposed new version was placed on public deposit for the receipt of objections and other representations.

A total of 960 representations were made, comprising objections, statements of support and other comments.

Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet met on July 30 and approved a list of recommended responses to the representations.

It is these responses that the scrutiny forum will consider, covering issues such as retail developments, licensed premises and food takeaways.

John Polson, the council's democratic services manager, said: "The scrutiny forum has already met to discuss housing issues relating to the new Local Plan and there was a good turn-out of about 80 people. We are hoping for a similar level of interest in next week's meeting."

The forum's reports will be referred back to the cabinet in October for further consideration.