RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say about the future of their town.

Southend Council is asking for people’s views about its Southend central area action plan and development management policies.

These will become part of the local development framework for Southend.

It will set out policies against which planning applications can be assessed, ranging from new hotel developments to proposals for conservatories.

This will replace the current borough local plan, which dates back to the mid-1990s.

Mark Flewitt, Southend councillor responsible for transport and planning, said: “The current fragile economic situation is having a direct impact on public and private investment decisions.

“This means planning for the longer term now, so we are ready for when the economy recovers.

“We all care about our physical environment and all the complex issues that make this up.

“Here is an opportunity to discuss how our environment should be shaped in the future.”

The documents can be viewed or downloaded from the council’s website www.southend.gov.uk They are also available at borough libraries and the Civic Centre, in Victoria Avenue. The consultation closes at 5pm on Monday, August 9.