VOTERS in Ledbury will soon be able to have a say on the future of planning in the town.

A referendum is to be held on whether to formally adopt a planning document that will guide planning policy in Ledbury at a county level.

The referendum will take place on Thursday, May 4 - the same day as the local elections.

The official wording of the question is ‘Do you want Herefordshire Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Ledbury to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?’.

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As with the election, you’ll need to make sure you’re eligible to vote in the referendum. Applications to be included on the register of electors need to be received by the county council by Monday, April 17.

The Ledbury Neighbourhood Development Plan is a revised version of a policy document that was adopted in 2019.

It is intended to set out exactly what type of growth the town wants, so it can grow sustainably.

The plan was examined by an independent inspector earlier this year and according to Ledbury Town Council, “it passed with flying colours, needing only a few minor amendments”.

“The final stage before adoption is the referendum in the parish, which will take place on May 4, with ultimate adoption expected in June.”

You can read the NDP in its entirety on the Ledbury Town Council website.

Also taking place on May 4 are local elections, at which seats in all 53 county council wards will be up for grabs.

Ledbury Town Council is one of 133 town and parish council also going to the polls.

This year, for the first time, you will need photo ID in order to vote.

Acceptable forms of ID include passports, photo driver’s licences, Blue Badges and bus passes.

If you don’t have photo ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificares. Applications can be made online but you’ll need to do so soon. The deadline will close at 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.