The power to influence planning strategy in Falmouth has moved closer towards residents as the town's Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted.

The fact that the plan has been submitted now means that it must be given more weight by Cornwall Council officers when planning applications are being considered.

It will be assessed by Cornwall Council and an independent body before being put to a local referendum where the public will decide whether it becomes part of formal planning policy.

The news was announced by town clerk Mark Williams at a meeting of the town council's Finance and General Purposes committee on Monday.

Councillor Bob O'Shea said: "We should thank all those people of the steering group and members of the public who have worked very very hard."