BURNHAM-on-Sea and Highbridge residents could be going to the polls this Autumn to decide if they want a neighbourhood plan which would help guide future development in the two towns.

The plan, which has been three years in the making, sets out ideas about housing and development in Burnham and Highbridge.

But the plan has to win the backing of an independent inspector before a referendum can take place.

Cllr Phil Harvey, who helped compile the plan, said feedback to the plan has been 'positive' but he said there is 'still a way to go'.

"Following the recent round of formal consultation, 17 comments were received, most of which were supportive or made minor suggestions," Cllr Harvey said.

"Three were received from developers promoting their sites in the plan area and saying that these should have been identified in the Neighbourhood Plan."

"They also made some points about the suggested housing policies."

Cllr Harvey said the developer's suggestions were submitted to the inspector who is dealing with Sedgemoor District Council's Local Plan. 

They will be the subject of a session on Wednesday, January 14 at the Local Plan Enquiry at the YMCA in Bridgwater.

"We decided it would be useful to get a feel from the district local plan inspector as to the site suggestions, which may act as an indicator as to the attitude of the Neighbourhood Plan examiner," Cllr Harvey said.

"By the end of March we should have a good idea of the way the wind is blowing so, provisionally, we have agreed to seek an examiner for the Neighbourhood Plan at that time.

"We think it will be a fairly straightforward process and don't think it likely that the examiner will want to hold any public sessions."

Cllr Harvey said he hopes a final version of the plan will be available by the end of the summer and said a referendum could be held in September. 

"If we're correct, the revised - and final - version should be available by the late summer and, if that is so, the referendum could be he held in September/October, after which the Neighbourhood Plan comes into force, assuming it is approved," Cllr Harvey said. 

For more information or to look at the plan click here