RESIDENTS are being invited to contribute to the creation of a plan that could shape the future of their village.

Over Hulton Neighbourhood Forum is developing a neighbourhood plan which it hopes will ultimately be accepted by Bolton Council and become a legal document the authority would have to adhere to.

The committee is next week holding a second consultation on the emerging blueprint which covers the historic parish of Hulton.

And it wants residents to come forward with their ideas on how they would like to see the area develop over the coming decades - as well as finding out about the priorities being set out in the plan around housing, green spaces, leisure facilities and transport.

Hulton councillor Toby Hewitt is vice chair of the committee and is urging residents to come along to Over Hulton Conservative Club next Thursday to have their say.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for the people of Over Hulton to have a real say on how they want to shape their own village for them and future generations.

“We would like to find out what the people of Over Hulton want for their area and put voice to their vision.”

Neighbourhood plans were introduced via the 2011 Localism Act and are intended to give people a greater say over the areas they live in.

Once finalised Over Hulton’s blueprint would have to be approved by Bolton Council’s planning department before going out to a local referendum.

Cllr Hewitt expects people to welcome the chance to contribute to the plan.

He said: “I think a lot of people would like to have input into how their area develops. I think there has been a lot of change.

“We have got Logistics North and there’s a big development happening on our doorstep in terms of the country park taking form there. And I think it’s really important and I think it’s really important, going back to the principles of localism, that people are able to express their opinions on how their local area develops.”

Carolyne Bevis, secretary of the committee, said residents were particularly concerned following recent battles over controversial planning applications, including Peel’s Ryder Cup scheme, which has been called in by the government.

She said: “We just know that if this Peel thing goes away other developers will come with the same thing.

“it’s a very small village that everyone is very passionate about keeping the green spaces. We are not saying that there’s not going to be any development, but we don’t’ want it bang in the middle of a registered green space.

“It’s important to recognise residents’ views and find out what they would like to see in future. It’s basically going to shape the future of Over Hulton for the next 20 years if we can get this plan through Bolton Council.”

The meeting takes place at Over Hulton Conservative Club on Thursday, September 20 between 7pm and 9pm. More details can be found on the Over Hulton Neighbourhood Plan Facebook page or by calling 07580 036544.