Residents are heading to the polls to decide on the future development of their district.

Arundel residents will vote on the future of their community when they take part in the first Sussex referendum on a Neighbourhood Development Plan.

If at least 50 % of the voters in favour of the plan at the Arun District Council referendum held today, it will become a “statutory consideration” in determining planning applications and on infrastructure matters.

The referendum option was introduced under the Government's Localism Act 2011 and other towns and villages, including Littlehampton, could also head to the polls in the near future.