MORE than 70 residents packed into Milford Village Hall for an update on the progress of Witley Neighbourhood Plan.

A survey and discussion session was conducted, which clearly demonstrated key priorities for the community by residents at the meeting.

Witley Neighbourhood Plan chairman Colin Bowery said: “These included future encroachment on or removal of greenbelt status from areas of Milford and Witley and increasing congestion on local roads including the Witley section of the A283.”

Further key issues raised were providing safe walking routes to schools, finding permanent solutions to primary school capacity issues rather than installing more temporary classrooms.

Particular concern was raised regarding 180 new homes proposed for Milford Golf Club as part of Waverley’s Draft Local Plan.

Witley Parish Council and a group of volunteers launched the process for a Witley Neighbourhood Plan in April 2015.

In September last year, a flyer was distributed to every household inviting participation.

To date, volunteers have consulted with parishioners at village fetes and Milford Farmers Market to get community feedback on key priorities for future development in Milford, Witley, Enton, Wormley, Brook and Sandhills for the next 10 to 15years.

In the next six months, the team will be holding further focus groups with community groups, including sports clubs, social clubs and local school and business representatives.

There will also be a community-wide household survey in late spring next year.

Feedback will enable the parish to shape its neighbourhood plan, as it develops over the next 18 months.

Once completed, the community will be given the chance to vote on the the plan via a parish referendum. If more than 50 per cent support the plan, Waverley Borough Council must bring it into force.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

All decision-makers will be obliged by law to take the plan into account when they consider proposals for development in Witley parish.