A MASTERPLAN laying the blueprint for the future of Ashtead is to be opened up to public consultation after three years of planning.

Mole Valley District Council voted to publish Ashtead Neighbourhood Forum’s plan and ask residents for feedback at an executive meeting on Tuesday, June 21.

If adopted, the group’s neighbourhood development plan (NDP) would set guidelines for Ashtead’s infrastructure and transport needs, style and size of housing, and the protection of the green belt and the village’s historical heritage.

Tony Tuley, chairman of the Ashtead Neighbourhood Forum, said: “I’m obviously very pleased that the hard work put in by all of the team has achieved the goal of getting that approved.

“We look forward to the next bit which unfortunately will take some time.”

Following a successful consultation, the plan draft would be scrutinised by an independent examiner and, if found sound, would be subject to a community referendum.

Mr Tuley believes Ashtead’s population will increase – as it did from 13,467 people in 2001 to 14,169 people in 2011 – and that building more homes will encourage people to stay in the area.

He added: “We are hoping to maintain the proportion of smaller houses in Ashtead. A lot are being extended or knocked down and larger ones are being built.

“We can see from the population projections that we will need more smaller houses for the single, the aged and for youngsters.

“Hopefully it will encourage people to stay in the area.

“We are surrounded by green belt land and we want to keep it that way.

“We are also fortunate to have a local butcher, baker and greengrocer as well as supermarket, and we want to maintain the local economy.”

Following the consultation, the plan draft would be scrutinised by an independent examiner and, if found sound, would be subject to a community referendum.

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) advises that this could be held in spring 2017.

Mr Tuley said: “We have tried to be very objective on the whole thing, but I think this is in the interests of Ashtead and I’m positive we will get the right vote.

“We will put in a lot of effort to make sure people are aware of the issues.”

MVDC leader, Councillor Vivienne Michael said: “The draft NDP represents an exciting step forward for Ashtead which will allow it to help its communities thrive.

“MVDC is pleased to be supporting the Ashtead Neighbourhood Forum in creating this plan.

“It gives residents a great opportunity to get involved in shaping their own community’s future.”