IDEAS about the future of Shoreham Beach are being invited from residents.

A neighbourhood planning forum, open to businesses and residents on Shoreham Beach, is the latest step in a legal process to establish a Neighbourhood Plan for Marine Ward.

The plans aim to give local people the chance to have a major say in how the community is developed.

The proposals have the support of Shoreham Beach Residents’ Association and Marine Ward’s two independent district councillors, Liza McKinney and Ben Stride.

Mr Stride said: “As Shoreham Beach is flanked by water on three sides, it is an ideal area for a neighbourhood plan, as we can clearly demonstrate its unique and special character.

“I hope the community will get behind us and support this initiative but if they don’t, we would also like to hear the contra-views as well.”

The Neighbourhood Planning Forum is taking place at Shoreham Beach Primary School at 7pm on July 15. Neighbourhood plans can be as detailed as local people want and once implemented, must be considered by planning authorities and Government inspectors when deciding on planning applications.

For more information about the scheme and plan see http://bit.ly/1kzGvpL.