PEOPLE in Cononley are being invited to have a say in the future development of their village.

Following the designation on the village as a 'Neighbourhood Plan Area' by Craven District Council, the community can now forge ahead with its own development blueprint.

The Cononley Neighbourhood Plan will be devised by the parish council and will help shape future housing and employment development for the parish in the district's Local Plan.

Cllr Lois Brown, Chairman of Cononley Parish Council, said: “After consultation with residents and the creation of a village strategy in spring 2013 for the next year, it was determined that a full strategy for the future would be developed.

“As part of this full strategy a Neighbourhood Plan will be created. It will cover such matters as affordable housing and local occupancy conditions, housing for the elderly, housing on farms, housing densities, provision of parking and preferred designs and materials in buildings."

She added: “For parish councils and their communities this is a unique opportunity to have a say in the future development of their environment.”

Craven District Council has been consulting on the Cononley Parish Neighbourhood Area throughout March and has now designated the area, which follows the parish boundary.

The Cononley Neighbourhood Area designation can be viewed on the district council's website at: cravendc.gov.uk/article/3110/Neighbourhood-Planning

Any enquiries relating to the Cononley Neighbourhood Plan can be directed to Cononley Parish Council at clerk@cononleypc.org.uk.