Heslington residents will have their chance to shape the future of the area with a public consultation starting next week (Monday, 1 December).

Local people will get the opportunity to comment on a draft design statement, which describes the special character of Heslington. The purpose of the document is to set out how development should be carried out in the area so that it is in harmony with its setting and makes a positive contribution to the local environment.

Local residents have already been consulted in the production of the document and now have a final opportunity to have their say. Copies of the village design statement will be available from Monday, 1 December to Monday, 19 January, at Lord Deramore's School reception, City of York Council's reception at 9 St Leonard's Place, Fulford and Central Reference public libraries, or online at www.york.gov.uk/planningMore/

Comments on the written draft are invited by Monday, 19 January. All comments received will be reported to the local working group, and further changes to the document will be considered.

If approved as formal planning guidance, the statement will used when considering planning applications in Heslington.

Anyone with comments on the draft should write to: Heslington VDS Consultation, City of York Council, Environment & Conservation, 9 St Leonard's Place, York, YO1 7ET, or email katherine.atkinson@york.gov.uk. For further information please contact 01904 551694.