MORE than 300 people visited an exhibition aimed at highlighting the importance residents could play in deciding a long-term vision for Great Dunmow.

The town council-led Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group has been gathering evidence and engaging the community about various provisions in Dunmow – from healthcare and education to sporting facilities and wildlife sites – while protecting the town’s character.

The exhibition, in the Foakes Hall on Saturday, showcased the group’s findings.

Daniel Bacon, the administrative officer to the Great Dunmow Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: “The feedback from the event was very positive. Residents said it was a great opportunity to see what is planned for Great Dunmow, and others said it was interesting and informative.

“The Neighbourhood Plan – if and when it is adopted – will form a statutory part of the planning process.

“It is not about stopping housing development, but helping to ensure that development is conducted in a sensible, prosperous, character-rich way with the facilities that communities need.”

A Neighbourhood Plan is a set of legally-binding policies laying out the community’s expectations and demands for development over 15 to 20 years.

It will need to pass a public referendum for approval.

The district council is setting out its housing requirements for the area over the next 13 years, and about 1,150 homes are earmarked for Great Dunmow.