GUILDFORD Borough Council has designated a new neighbourhood area covering the parish of Seale and Sands following an application from the parish council and a public consultation earlier this year.

It means that Seale and Sands Parish Council will be able to work with its community to produce a neighbourhood plan and/or a neighbourhood development order.

The Localism Act 2011 introduced new rights to help communities shape development in their local areas. Neighbourhood plans and orders can set planning policies and grant up front permission for developments that the community wants to see go ahead.

They must take account of national policy and help meet the strategic needs of the wider local area.

Farnham Town Council hopes to submit its final draft neighbourhood plan for independent examination soon, and Elstead Parish Council and Peper Harow Parish is also developing a neighbourhood plan.