Bassetlaw District Council is currently in its third month of public consultation on the Site Allocations Issues & Options Document. This document looks at specific sites for new housing and employment development in the towns and some of the larger villages in Bassetlaw. The Council’s public consultation events to date have been very well attended and, although the Council has received numerous responses, the consultation period has been extended to allow residents more time to submit their comments. The new deadline is now 31 January 2012.

The Council will be holding two further public meetings in Worksop and Retford to give additional opportunities for residents to speak with members of the Planning Policy team. A presentation will be given at the beginning of the sessions and there will be time for residents to ask questions of Planning Officers afterwards.

The Public Meetings will be held on the following dates:

• 23 January 2012 Retford Town Hall 6:30pm – 8pm
• 24 January 2012 Worksop Town Hall 6:30pm - 8pm

If you cannot attend either of these meetings, but would like to speak to a member of the Planning Policy Team, please ring 01909 535151 or email future.plans@bassetlaw.gov.uk. The Site Allocations consultation document can be viewed online or hard copies are available to view in the Council’s receptions in Worksop and Retford. Comment forms are also available online or by request.

Please note at this stage that the Council is only seeking residents’ views on the potential sites. The fact that a site is included within the consultation document does not mean that it will be developed. There will also be further opportunities for residents to comment on any proposed development sites at the ‘Preferred Options’ stage, which is due later this year. The Site Allocations document will also be subject to an Examination in Public by an Independent Planning Inspector.