ANDOVER Town Council and Charlton Parish Council have submitted applications for the designation of a neighbourhood area to cover their parishes.

The application for a neighbourhood area is the first stage in creating a Neighbourhood Development Plan, which would help residents to influence and shape the future of the places where they live and work.

Test Valley Borough Council launches public consultation on the neighbourhood areas today.

Individuals and organisations will have until 4.30pm on Friday, 13 June to submit feedback on whether the boundaries for the designated areas are appropriate.

The Localism Act 2011 introduced the legal framework for neighbourhood planning and the preparation of Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDP) by parish and town councils. This forms part of the Government’s initiative to give communities a greater say on the future of their local area including on housing and employment.

After public consultation councils will undertake research to develop a Neighbourhood Plan.