Proposals which could give people a say on where new buildings and green spaces go have been met with low levels of public support.

North Weald Bassett Parish Council will hold a public meeting next Monday (February 15), to decide whether to go ahead with a ‘neighbourhood plan’.

The plan, covering North Weald, Hastingwood and Thornwood, could allow members of the public to influence what new buildings look like and where they are built.

Other possible powers include choosing and protecting important green spaces and deciding where community facilities are built.

However, the parish council has said it is concerned with the level of support from the public, with “very few residents actively engaging in the process and expressing support for such a plan.”

Council chairman councillor Cyril Hawkins said: “There are over 7,000 residents in the parish.

“If our residents decide a neighbourhood plan is the way forward, then the parish council will fully support them, however it cannot be done without enough public support.”

The meeting next Monday will consider if enough people back the proposal to go ahead with it.

It runs from 7.30pm, but the location in North Weald has not yet been confirmed.

To register interest or attend the meeting, email ourplan@northweald-pc.gov.uk.