LYDNEY residents go to the polls tomorrow (Thurs Feb 18) to vote on whether they accept a blueprint for the future development of the town.

The referendum on The Lydney Neighbourhood Plan will be the first NDP in Gloucestershire to reach the ballot box.

The documentation has already been passed by a Government examiner and, if the referendum vote goes to the ‘ayes’, the Forest of Dean District Council will be legally obliged to accept its guidelines.

The Plan was developed based on extensive public consultation and will be reviewed every few years to respond to changing circumstances.

The Plan contains policies relating to land use which are legally binding, such as: town centre development to contribute to positive economic growth; recreational development at the Harbour; supporting local leisure and tourism.

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

Voters will be casting their vote at their usual polling station venues used for elections.