Our District Council is busy drawing up its second attempt at a Local Plan. We all hope this will be more successful than its first attempt.

What is revealing about the options now being considered is that they basically fall into two categories: extensions to existing towns and villages or completely new settlements. While there will always be opportunities to build small new developments on the outskirts of Chipping Bonhunt and our surrounding villages, only the creation of new settlements will enable sensible planning for the number of new homes that need to be built.

We need a sustainable new settlement, with proper access, schools and other facilities. This will meet local housing needs and take the pressure off our existing towns and villages.