CONSCIENTIOUS residents in Westcott could have a say in future developments in their village, thanks to a Government initiative.
Communities are being encouraged to create Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDPs) against which planning applications will be considered.
A group of residents in Westcott, calling themselves the Village Forum, has applied to Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) to carry out the work of preparing the NDP.
A spokesman for the Village Forum said: "The opportunity for communities to shape and influence the decisions that affect the places where they live is a central theme of the Government's localism agenda.
"This includes taking key decisions about the housing, business, and infrastructure needs of the community and how these needs are to be met.
"The forum will consist of representatives from interested groups within the village, including the Westcott Village Association, local businesses, village societies, the school, the church, etc.
"This is an exciting time and a great opportunity for our community."
MVDC councillor John Northcott said: "This is an exciting initiative by Westcott's residents, who have grasped the opportunity to influence the type of development needed to support the future of their community and help shape the place where they live or work.
"The council is committed to maintaining and, where possible, improving the quality of our built environment and involving our residents and communities in this work."
MVDC hopes to reach a decision on the Village Forum's application by March next year.