The concept of a Village Plan (also known as a Parish Plan or Community Led Plan) was born at the start of the new millennium. The idea is that all residents are given a chance to say what they think about the social, economic and environmental issues affecting their community. In this way, a blueprint for development in any given area is compiled for the people and by the people living there.

There is no age restriction on those from whom input is welcome. All are asked to get involved, from the very young to the very old.

A typical Village Plan is a report including:

• a section giving background information on the village in question;

• an analysis of data received back from questionnaires completed by the residents; and

• an action plan that sets out the important issues that have emerged from the consultation process, as well as what residents suggest should be done about them.