Leader: Speak now over housing plans or it may be too late

Scores of new homes in Shropshire's villages. Hundreds of new homes in smaller towns. Thousands of new homes in Shrewsbury.

Today we publish details of the consultation document which outlines proposals which would see a massive increase in new housing in Shropshire by 2026.

That may seem a long way off. But if this blueprint is approved, the effects will be felt quickly. It is too late to start saying something when the diggers move on to that patch of green close to your own home.

It is a joint production between Shropshire Council and town and parish councils, earmarking what they think should go where. So it is not just about housing, but also about where the businesses and factories which give employment should go.

Too often public consultations are ignored and receive at best an apathetic response.

People do not think the issues affect them, or are happy to leave it to others to make the points that they would have made, had they been bothered to make them.

But here is a chance to have a say which should be seized with both hands.

Development on a sensitive or valued site is almost guaranteed to cause controversy and public protests. The campaigners are already on the back foot in their battle if it turns out that the site has been earmarked for development years before – and nobody objected.

Despite the lull in building due to the recession, there is forecast to be a heavy demand for new housing in the coming years.

Where should those houses go? Can our towns and villages support a big increase?

Have your say on these plans. Having an opinion is not enough. It has to be voiced – otherwise it may be ignored.