Consultation over local services

A six-week consultation is due to begin asking people in the Kennet district of Wiltshire how they want the community to develop over the next 15 years.

"The biggest challenge will be about providing houses that local people can afford and where we choose to build new homes," a council spokesperson said.

Also likely to be discussed are issues such as climate change and the impact of technology on where people work.

A leaflet outlining the challenges the district faces is being circulated.

Public exhibitions

The leaflet outlines options for development in the towns and questions how villages might also play a part in creating balanced and sustainable communities.

The government's draft regional plan states Kennet should find space for about 1800 houses in addition to those already committed or built since 2006.

Chairman of Kennet's planning policies committee, Andrew Connolly, said: "It is vitally important that local residents and businesses get involved in this crucial consultation.

"This is the opportunity to say how they want their communities to change and where new jobs and homes should be located."

A series of exhibitions and meetings is scheduled for Marlborough, Pewsey, Devizes, Tidworth and Ludgershall.