VILLAGERS wishing to shape the future of development in Ashtead have been given the opportunity to make their voices heard.
Ashtead Community Vision (ACV), the group working towards drawing up a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), has launched an online survey and are seeking views from villagers.
The plan, when agreed, will work alongside Mole Valley District Council's policies when planning applications are being considered for development in the village.
David Harper, leader of the group's survey team, said: "For the first time in planning history, there is an opportunity for residents to have their say before anything is decided by local government.
"We are delighted with the response to the survey so far and have had over 250 completed."
The group is hoping for more than 500 responses, which it is believed would give a fair representation of the village's views. It is also holding a drop-in day on Saturday at Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall for people to learn more about their work and the process of creating a NDP.
There will be maps showing the whole of the village with some indication of the area of land required to be provided for housing development, alongside displays on housing, infrastructure, environment and transport, and economy and business.
Andy Ellis, founder of ACV, said: "This is our first opportunity to show everyone all the information we have gathered so far and to start to get face-to-face feedback about the best way Ashtead could develop in the future.
"Refreshments will be available as we thought visitors may need it – there is a lot to take in and we want to make it a welcoming community event."
The event will take place from 10am to 4pm in the Ralli and Marshall Rooms at the Peace Memorial Hall. Anyone who lives or works in Ashtead can respond to the online survey at www.ashteadcommunityvision.org.uk
The group is particularly keen to hear from respondents aged between 18 and 34, as it has had mainly older people taking part in the survey so far.
To contact ACV e-mail ashtead communityvision@gmail.com or call 07530 373975.
