Did you know that Salisbury City is required (by Central Government & the South West Assembly) to build 6000 new homes by 2026, with a further 6400 homes to be built within Salisbury District?  And create up to 14000 new jobs?

Are you interested in knowing about the Council's preferred options for locating these homes (eg 1200 on Churchfields Industrial Estate, putting Churchfields on green fields in Harnham? ), as well as a whole range of other potential policies from transport to tourism to recycling? 

Last summer, the Council asked for views on a consultation paper called "Our Place in the Future".  There were some 6000 comments.  This paper has now been refined into that which the Council believes are the "Preferred Options".  These Options have been published in the recently released "Core Strategy" document.  You might have read about it in last week's Salisbury Journal.  The "Core Strategy" document is available in all Libraries, or if you go to the Planning Office in Wyndham Road you can collect your own copy of this 187 page "glossy" (wondered where your Council Tax goes?!). Or you can borrow mine.

It is a good read (well skim it).  If you want a say in these local issues, now is your chance.  Comments are invited - but have to be in by 11 April 08.  Consider also attending an exhibition followed by a presentation. We missed one last week in the Town Hall, but 2 more are available:

• Wilton (Michael Herbert Hall). 4 April. Exhibition 1300-1800, Meeting 1900-2030.
• Amesbury (Antrobus House). 8 April. Exhibition 1300-1800. Meeting 1900-2030.

This is your chance to influence the future - do take it!

Ian Stevens, a Woodford Parish Councillor.