Villagers in Abbots Langley are being asked to give their view on whether the parish should be designated as a "Neighbourhood Area."

Abbots Langley Parish Council has submitted an application to become a Neighbourhood Area, which means the parish council would be able to draw up plans for how the land would be used and developed within the area.

However, information on Three Rivers District Council’s website states that neighbourhood planning cannot restrict development within an area and future plans must be "equal or greater" to development plans set out by them or national guidelines.

The cost of a neighbourhood plan ranges from £15,000 to £50,000, depending on the level of detail in the plan and whether or not extra studies had to be carried out. 

Tim Perkins, clerk to Abbots Langley Parish Council said: "The parish council decided to embark on a Neighbourhood Plan as it will give those who live and work in the parish an opportunity to have greater influence on how the community develops in terms of homes, shops and business premises.

"The process is at the very early stages and as it rolls out there will be many opportunities for residents and businesses to get involved and help formulate the Neighbourhood Plan."

"This is not about the parish council coming up with a plan, the process is all about involving the whole community in developing a shared vision for the neighbourhood and shaping the development and growth of their local communities."

Residents have until Friday, September 6 to respond to the consultation, which is being run by Three Rivers District Council.