Before going to the polls over a plan that could lay out the future of Petersfield for the next couple of decades residents can find out all they need to know at the next Community Forum meeting held in Petersfield.

Town residents will be asked to vote on the Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan at a referendum held in November.

But before they decide they can get to the bottom of the subject at a meeting with the people behind the plan.

The Community Forum, held at the Council Chamber, Penns Place, on Tuesday, October 6, will feature a panel of experts including Richard Besant, the chairman of the Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan and Tim Slaney of the South Downs National Park.

Put together by volunteers and the help of public consultation, the Neighbourhood Plan sets out where future housing, business and community facilities should go.

Mr Besant said: “Petersfield’s Neighbourhood Plan covers all aspects of development in our town. It’s our chance to come together as a community and decide what kind of town we want Petersfield to be in the next five, 10, 20 years, and beyond.

“The plan, which you’ll be able to vote on in a referendum, will set out the types of development we think the town needs, what we’d be prepared to see built, and which sites we feel would be most appropriate.”

The referendum is expected in November, with the exact date soon to be set, so the meeting is a great chance for residents to make up their minds.

Community Forum chairman Judy Onslow said: “It’s really important as many Petersfield people as possible vote in the Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan referendum. Come along and find out what the plan means for your town and its long-term future and how you can have a say.”