Shape the future of Ashtead by giving your views on the character of the village, what type of houses there should be and what would make the area better.

Residents have until the end of February to take part in a consultation covering everything from housing, transport and the local economy, which could guide developers when considering the future of village.

The draft Ashtead Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) has 16 core policies - covering housing, the local economy, transport, the environment, infrastructure, and community resources - to guide future development decisions by Mole Valley District Council.

These policies have been identified to support the following aims:

- preserve the character of the village

- ensure that residential development meets the needs of the community

- maintain the current mix of housing sizes

- protect and enhance the existing shopping areas and pubs

- protect existing sports facilities and green spaces

- protect valued community facilities

- identify future infrastructure needs and improvements

If Mole Valley District Council accepts the NDP it will be sent to the planning inspector.

If approved by the inspector, residents will then be able to vote on the plan in a referendum.

Once adopted, the plan will guide developers when considering the future of village.

Ashtead Community Vision - the forum’s working group - is encouraging residents to engage in the consultation process by filling in an online questionnaire and give feedback on the draft.

Forum chairman Tony Tuley said: "It’s really important that all residents engage in the development of the plan as it is the greatest opportunity most will have to shape the future development of Ashtead."

The forum is holding an open morning encouraging residents to participate in the consultation between 10am and 12.30pm on Saturday, February 6.

Full details of the Draft Ashtead Neighbourhood Development Plan and copies of the questionnaire are available at www.ashteadcommunityvision.org.uk

What do you think? Comment below or get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk