Residents in Three Rivers now have more time to have their say on a new draft Local Plan after the consultation period was extended.

Three Rivers District Council launched its consultation in June seeking public opinion on its plan for future population growth and housing demand.

The consultation was originally scheduled to run from June 11 to July 23, but this has now been extended until August 20.

Cllr Matthew Bedford, chairman of the local plan sub-committee said: "We have had an excellent response to the consultation so far, but are keen to hear from as many people as possible. Some residents have told us they didn’t receive the leaflet we recently sent to all homes informing them about the consultation, so we have taken the decision to extend it.

"Many families are understandably worried about the affordability and supply of homes for their children and future generations, and the pressing need for affordable housing, schooling, and community facilities in the district. This is their chance to have their say."

The council has a new Government target to deliver 9,600 homes up to 2037/38, putting greenbelt sites across the district at risk of development.

Related: 'The housing targets are overstated' - hundreds sign petition to protect Three Rivers greenbelt

The council says the proposed allocated sites put forward for consultation were based on feedback from residents, businesses, developers, statutory bodies and local groups.

The council says it will review the draft Local Plan following this consultation and may seek to remove more sites or add new ones before presenting a final plan to a government inspector for approval.

To take part in the public consultation visit https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/localplan