VALE residents are reminded that the Deposit Local Development Plan, which will govern how land is used in the Vale of Glamorgan over the next 15 years, is currently subject to a six-week public consultation - and there are public exhibitions next week.

The Deposit (draft) Local Development Plan (LDP), once adopted, will govern how land within the Vale is used between 2011 and 2026.

The LDP contains various local planning policies and makes provision for a number of land uses, including housing, employment, retail, recreation, transport, tourism, minerals, waste, and community uses.

The public consultation began on February 20 and will run until Monday, April 2.

Interested parties and members of the public can formally comment on the plan during this time.

During the consultation period the Deposit LDP, together with supporting documents, can be viewed at the council’s main offices and libraries or on the council’s website.

Public exhibitions will also be held, as follows:

* West House, Penarth, Wednesday, March 14 - 2pm to 7pm

* Cowbridge Town Hall, Tuesday, March 20 – 2pm to 7pm

* Llantwit Major Town Hall, Saturday, March 24 – 10am to 1pm

* Dock Office, Barry, normal office hours throughout the six week public consultation period and on Saturday, March 17, 10am to 1pm

Representations can be made during the consultation period using an online comment form, which is available on the council website's Local Development Plan pages.

Paper forms are also available from Vale libraries and main council offices.

The closing date for comments on the plan is Monday, April 2, at 5pm. The council will not consider representations submitted after this time.

For more information, contact the LDP team on 01446 700111 or e-mail LDP@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk