A village community is asking for a greater say over how their area develops in the future.

The Tadworth Forum has applied for the power to prepare a neighbourhood plan, which would set out policies for development and use of land in Tadworth.

Chris Chapman, chairman of the forum and owner of family butchers Chapman and Son, said: "It really gives villages more say in what happens within the village."

Mr Chapman said traders, professionals, pensioners, mothers, the vicar and other residents have come together to create the forum.

He said: "We thought let’s make it happen: give the villagers and traders a voice over how their village develops.

"We know there’s going to be change, but it’s doing something that is appropriate to the needs of the village."

Reigate and Banstead Council said the Tadworth Forum has applied to be designated as a neighbourhood forum which would allow it to create a neighbourhood plan.

Cath Rose, planning policy team leader at the council, said: "The first step in the neighbourhood planning process is to identify the area for the plan, and establish a neighbourhood forum that is open to all who live and work in that area.

"The council is inviting views from local residents in and around that Tadworth area about the applications from the Tadworth Forum."

View the applications at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/TadworthNP Send your comments to the council by 5pm on Tuesday, May 12.

Email LDF@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or write to: Policy Team, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, RH2 0SH.

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