Homeowners in three north Norfolk communities could have a greater say in planning issues following a public consultation.

The applications for the designation of neighbourhood areas from Holt Town Council and Corpusty and Saxthorpe Parish Council have been submitted to North Norfolk District Council (NNDC).

After the consultation finishes on October 4, NNDC cabinet members will look to approve the applications which are the first step in creating a local neighbourhood development plans.

These plans could take up to two years but if approved through public consultation, an independent inspector and referendum, they would influence planning issues in Holt, Saxthorpe and Corpusty.

Ray Moore, Holt town councillor, said: 'What we are trying to do is look to the future and take a structured view to it.'

An NNDC spokesman said: 'The plans are essentially flexible in their content.

'Each community can have whatever they want in them as long as they are based on land planning. The idea is to bring planning decisions closer to communities.'

Visit www.northnorfolk.org/neighbourhoodareas and to make a comment email planningpolicy@north-norfolk.gov.uk.