RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on how they want Chalfont St Peter to be redeveloped.

A six week long consultation of residents gets underway today as planning chiefs at Chiltern District Council ask for opinions on new housing options in the village.

Improving the unpopular St Peter's Precinct is among the options being considered, while councillors also want new developments to fit in with the village's existing character.

The Neighbourhood Plan consultation will go on to form part of the council's Development Plan, with the authority keen to hear the views of residents as they look to meet housing targets for the district.

Councillors hope to provide a range of different house sizes - including some affordable housing - protect open spaces in and around Chalfont St Peter, protect and improve the Misbourne Valley and create plans that will help support the village's economy.

Linda Smith, chairman of Chalfont St Peter Parish Council, said: "I cannot stress too much how important people's views on the Neighbourhood Plan are. This is our community, we know it better than anyone and therefore it's absolutely right that we should be able to determine, as far as we can, the nature of any future development. The Plan will help us do just that."

An examination of residents' responses is likely to be completed by the end of May, with a referendum on the proposals then set to take place in September.

Villagers have until 5pm on Tuesday, April 22 to respond to the council on the consultation.

The Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed at the offices of the district and parish councils and Chalfont St Peter library, and response forms can also be picked up at those locations.

Plans and response forms can also be dowloaded at www.chiltern.gov.uk/article/2933/Chalfont-St-Peter, while further details are available from www.cspplan.org.uk.