Air your views and help shape the future of Swale to 2031.

That’s the message from Swale council, which is preparing the core strategy described as its most important planning document.

The council is appealing for Islanders’ views on its consultation document called 'pick your own’, published on January 17.

When the core strategy is complete, it will set out a vision to 2031 and a series of development proposals and policies to achieve it.

A presentation will also be given at the Sheppey Local Engagement Forum, tomorrow (January 25) at the Isle of Sheppey Academy, East Site, Minster Road, Minster. The meeting starts at 7pm.

Pick your own seeks views on the possible direction (or options) that Swale should be heading in.

These options consider the amount of development that should take place and where these homes and jobs should be located. Four options are presented in the document, which includes ideas about expanding the Port of Sheerness.

The council will also be holding a Question Time-style event before an invited audience in February.

A number of seats will also be available for members of the public on application.

Questions for panelists can be submitted via the council website.

Cllr Gerry Lewin, Swale council’s cabinet member for sustainable planning, said: “While there are immediate challenges facing the borough, we are duty bound to strategically look this far ahead.

“We need to canvass the full range of options and make sure that the consultation paper covers every option open to us, so that we do not miss anything vital.

“We must also ensure we do not shy away from controversial options. Some residents may not be in favour of some of the options, which is why it is essential that anyone with a view lets us have it.

“The consultation is really important and the views expressed will help to shape the future of where we live.

“The proof that this approach works is the Sheppey Crossing. We pursued that for 27 years and having done so for that long it was ultimately delivered.

“We now need a fresh set of aspirations and to pursue them with the same vigour that sees real forward progression in Swale.”

The consultation ends at 5pm on March 14, 2011.

• For more information call 01795 417118, visit www.swale.gov.uk/pyo or visit any council office or any of the Island’s public libraries at Russell Street, Sheerness, Railway Terrace, Queenborough, and Worcester Close, Minster.
• An exhibition will also be available in the Planning Services reception at Swale House during normal office hours.
• To make comments write to the Spatial Planning Policy Manager at Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3HT or email pyo@swale.gov.uk
• Residents can also follow the consultation on Facebook and Twitter, although the council will not give individual responses.
• A presentation will also be given at the Swale Rural Forum on March 9 at 7pm, venue to be confirmed.