The next stage of Headcorn’s bid to determine the future of development in the village starts today (Friday).

Residents have already offered their views on the Neighbourhood Development Plan, which was reviewed and sent to Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) and has now been released for further public consultation.

Organisations such as utility boards, the police and KCC Highways will be able to respond.

The concept of neighbourhood plans was introduced in the 2012 Localism Act and allow communities to have considerably more say on planning matters by setting out standards proposals must keep to.

They help provide planning policies which future applications must satisfy.

Following the consultation MBC will hold an independent examination and then a referendum before deciding whether to adopt the plan.

Copies of the plan and supporting documents can be downloaded at www.maidstone.gov.uk/consultations or viewed at Maidstone Gateway, King Street, Maidstone; the Kent History and Library Centre, James Whatman Way; Headcorn Library, in Kings Road, and the Headcorn Parish Council Office, in Church Lane.

Residents have until 5pm on Friday, February 26, to submit comments which should be made using the consultation response form available online, by email to neighbourhoodplanning@maidstone.gov.uk or post to Spatial Policy, Maidstone Borough Council, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, ME15 6JQ.