CHADDESLEY Corbett could become the first parish in Worcestershire to take part in a neighbourhood plan referendum.

Residents who are on the register of electors would be asked to vote on whether they wish the plan to come into force and be used by Wyre Forest District Council in determining planning applications.

Chaddesley Corbett Parish Council has been working with the district council to prepare the plan since being awarded a £20,000 grant from the department for communities and local government in March, 2012.

It provides specific details on the type of housing that can be built within the parish and sets out policies to guide the design of developments which retain local characteristics.

The plan was independently examined in June and the examiner recommended that the plan should proceed to referendum.

Parish councillor David Thomas, chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: “The parish council is delighted that the plan has been approved by an independent examiner.

“Passing the examination is a significant achievement and is testament to the dedication of the steering group and working group members who have volunteered.”

Neighbourhood plans are part of a package of measures introduced by Government to allow communities more say in the development that takes place in their area.

The district council will consider the examiner’s report at its cabinet meeting on Tuesday, July 22 and, if approved, the referendum will be held during September.