AN IMPORTANT milestone has been reached by Liskeard’s Neighbourhood Plan with the news that the draft plan fulfils legal requirements.

Volunteers have spent three years carrying out surveys, speaking to local people and putting together the policies which will help shape planning decisions in the town until 2030.

Now the draft plan, which has sections on housing, jobs, leisure facilities, education, shopping, heritage and open spaces, is out for consultation until December 1. Copies can be viewed online via Liskeard Town Council or Cornwall Council’s websites, and hard copies can be seen at Liskeard Library, the Town Council offices, and the One-Stop-Shop at Luxstowe.

The next step for the plan will be to go before an independent inspector for assessment, and then after that, all Liskeard residents on the electoral roll will have the chance to vote for the plan in a local referendum.

A spokesperson for Liskeard Town Council said: ‘This project has been driven by community volunteers, supported by the Town Council, and when approved, it is ‘made’ in law and must be taken into account when planning applications are considered, therefore shaping our town until 2030.’

Liskeard’s mayor Christina Whitty said: ‘This will be a very valuable document to the town in planning matters. Over the three years it has taken to reach this stage, a large number of volunteers have been involved in this community-driven project and we thank them all for their hard work and tenacity.’