PARISH councils in Penton Mewsey, Smannell and Nether Wallop have had the opportunity to hear more about Test Valley Borough Council's planning proposals from the council's planning officers.

The meetings followed the publication of a summary of proposals for the borough, delivered to Test Valley households with the council's newspaper, Test Valley News.

During the consultation period, which continues until 20 December, nine further parish council meetings are planned and 16 public meetings are scheduled. The borough council is keen to encourage residents to comment before revised proposals are published next year.

Cllr Derrick Roach, who has executive responsibility for environmental matters, said: "The council has to make some key decisions that will shape the future of the borough. It is important that our residents help us in this by letting us know their views. Our main objective is to produce a local plan that provides the best options for the area."

The proposals that are now being discussed have been developed following borough-wide consultations in 2000, which set out the council's initial ideas on where new development could go to meet the requirements of Hampshire's County Struc-ture Plan.

More than 5,000 comments were received.

Planners are holding exhibitions of their proposals at the following venues: Andover Guildhall on Wednesday 13 November 2pm to 9pm, Tuesday 14 November 10am to 9pm, Saturday 16 November 10am to 4pm; St Andrew's Methodist Church Hall, Weyhill Road on Monday 18 November 10am to 9pm; St Michael's Church Centre, Smannell Road on Wednes-day 20 November 10am to 4pm, 5 December 12.30pm to 4pm; Picket Piece Village Hall on Tuesday 19 Novem-ber 10am to 9pm.

Officials will be on hand at all locations to answer questions.

Further information on the proposals can be found on the council's website: www. testvalley. gov.uk and copies will be available from 8 Nov-ember on CD or in paper form.