Thanet's draft Local Plan, approved by the council in July, is now in its presubmission stage.

The full Plan, therefore, is now available for public viewing and comment for six weeks from today.

It is accessible online plus in: The Gateway in Margate; Pierremont Hall in Broadstairs; Custom House in Ramsgate; plus any library in the district.

The Local Plan sets out policies and proposals that will be used to guide both investment and decisions on development and regeneration.

The Plan sets out where homes, jobs, community facilities, shops and infrastructure will be delivered, as well as the type of places and environments we want to create.

It also identifies land to be protected from development such as open space.

The Plan is intended to cover the district until 2031.

The six week period - which ends at 5pm on Thursday, October 4 - provides an opportunity for anyone who wants to offer feedback on the Plan to do so.

The comments received will be sent on directly to the Planning Inspector for consideration.

Anyone who does provide their feedback at this stage may be invited to speak at the public examination of the Plan.

Cllr Bob Bayford, leader of Thanet District Council said: “We urge anyone who wants to have their say about the proposed plans to use this opportunity to submit comment.

"The Planning Inspector will examine all of the evidence and public hearings should begin in February.

"This is an important stage of the process and takes us one step closer to having an approved Local Plan.”