Two district councils, both under pressure to prepare a joint local plan by September next year, are “under no illusions about the challenges” they face, a councillor has said.

Cllr Peter Martin, Chiltern District Council's cabinet member for sustainable development, has urged residents, businesses, community groups and developers to made their views heard as both South Bucks and Chiltern district councils prepare to consult the public on the plan.

Both district councils agreed to prepare a joint plan, which will shape future development in both districts up until 2036, in November last year and a public consultation will start at 5pm on January 19.

The joint plan is expected to be submitted to the government in September 2017.

Cllr Martin said they have to deliver a plan that will “pass muster” if the councils want to have “real influence over how the two districts can best meet our communities’ development needs for the next 20 years.”

He said: “That requires input from people who know their area best, those who live and work in our communities, and I urge them to take part in this process.”

Cllr Nick Naylor, South Bucks District Council's portfolio holder for sustainable development, said both districts are under “huge pressure in terms of development needs” but constrained by “large amounts” of green belt and AONB land.

He said: “We are committed to conserving our environment, heritage and communities whilst also trying to balance this with meeting local and future generations’ needs for housing and jobs.  

“It's crucial that we produce a plan, which is needed by our communities, which can withstand scrutiny and we call upon the public to help us create the right development strategy for our two districts."

Both councils are also planning to set up a consultation database, to keep interested residents up to date with the latest developments in the plan.

To sign up or find out more, visit http://www.southbucks.gov.uk/article/4877/Consultation-Database.