professional town planners could be used by Torpoint Town Council to assist with the formation of a Neighbourhood Plan.

At a council meeting which was due to be held yesterday evening, members were set to discuss the way forward – including obtaining grant funding to pay for the services of town planners.

'We are very much at the start of the process,' said town councillor Gary Davis.

'Our aim is that, together with town planners, we will work with residents to form a vision of what we all want Torpoint to look like by 2030.

'We will be holding consultations to understand the views of residents, organisations and businesses.'

The 'town vision' will be made up of a series of achievable projects, cllr Davis continued.

One such project will be the regeneration of the Lower Fore Street area – and consultation during last July's carnival provided a wide range of ideas, he said.

'We had some really good feedback. There were a lot of suggestions – from leisure facilities, to a town square, to incorporating the waterside area. We now want to obtain professional guidance to help us see what is possible and what would fit Torpoint.'

The town council said that public engagement in neighbourhood planning is crucial to the programme.

'It's about saying what we as a town want, rather than allowing developers to come and impose their ideas,' cllr Davis continued.

'With around 350 new homes outlined through the Cornwall Local Plan, and the possibility of several public buildings becoming available at the bottom of town, this is our chance to work with the local authorities and principal land owners to shape the town in a manner that suits local people.

'We want to make sure there is provision for the services and infrastructure required that will be fit for the future – and ensure the long-term prosperity of the town.'