OTLEY residents still have a week left to comment on the town's proposed Neighbourhood Plan.

A series of drop-in consultation sessions ended this week but comments on the document, designed to help steer future development, can be made up until Friday, October 20.

The finalised Neighbourhood Plan's policies, once adopted, will have to be taken into consideration by future housing and commercial developers.

The feedback gathered from this latest, final consultation period will be used to make last-minute amendments before the proposals are submitted to Leeds City Council to be assessed.

Otley Town Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "We have had a very good response from the community with people making the effort to join us at the drop-in events, find out more and have their say.

"Residents can still leave written comments at the Town Council offices, on Orchard Gate, or complete online a very simple survey which can only take a few minutes.

"Recent events with the East of Otley development have reminded many how important the Neighbourhood Plan is, given it has legal status - once approved - and has to be taken into proper account in future planning decisions.

"The plan is about much more than East of Otley, of course, and covers many aspects of life in our community and how we wish to see our town become a sustainable market town for the future.

"I hope everyone will take a few minutes in this next week to make sure they have their say - no use moaning afterwards, now is the time!"

The plan can be viewed at otleytowncouncil.gov.uk/planning/what-is-the-neighbourhood-plan/pre-submission-plan-consultation/ , while comments can be left at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/presubmissionplan .