A DETAILED blueprint outlining a strategic vision for Oxenhope for the next 15 years is now subject to a public consultation exercise.

The Oxenhope Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), which is designed to shape and influence the village's future, addresses topics such as housing, the environment, transport, tourism and agriculture.

A draft form of the document is now available at Oxenhope Pharmacy, in Station Road, for residents to read until September 30.

Copies of housing and travel surveys carried out as part of the process to draw up the NDP are also available.

People can leave their own comments about the NDP on feedback forms, while residents with internet access can visit oxenhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk/neighbourhood-planning/ to view all the details.

Oxenhope parish councillor Peter McManus, the lead councillor on the NDP project team, said the process to begin putting the plan together began with a public meeting in October 2016.

Over the next 16 months there were 10 meetings of the NDP project team, half of which was made up of local volunteers and half of parish councillors.

Cllr McManus said: "We've had a core group of volunteers who've worked very hard and put in a lot of personal effort.

"They ranged in age from 14 to 70, and we also involved Oxenhope Primary School to get the children on board, as this is about the village's future.

"We've done our best to get as broad an involvement as possible."

He said the draft plan looks at future housing provision in some detail. It reflects a local desire for a policy of infill and small scale housing development to safeguard the historic gaps between Oxenhope parish's distinct settlements.

Once finalised and approved the Oxenhope NDP will be adopted by Bradford Council and will be used to help determine planning applications.

A written update on the NDP, due to be mailed to every house in Oxenhope during the first week of September, explains: "The plan is a genuine response to local aims and aspirations and will seek to deal with key issues and concerns raised by local people.

"It will ensure that new development responds to and addresses local concerns such as providing adequate parking provision and is designed in a way which is sympathetic to the distinctive character of Oxenhope.

"The plan will state what types of housing should be built to meet identified local needs, and will protect community facilities and support local businesses.

"Having a neighbourhood plan in place means the parish council receives 25 per cent of the Community Infrastructure Levy paid by developers.

"This money can be spent to help fund and support local projects and initiatives."