‘THE Independent Examination of the Swindon Borough Local Plan 2026.’ The title of the proceedings at Steam could scarcely be drier if written in desert sand, but they’re something we should all take an interest in.

One of the most fundamental factors in public happiness - and its opposite - is our local environment. Study after study has shown that environment can be a factor in everything from depression rates to educational attainment and even life expectancy.

We salute every one of the community organisations who have aired an opinion or plan to air one; we also salute every member of the public who responded to an appeal by such a group for feedback ahead of the event at Steam.

Thanks to them, the officials who take the plan forward will be under no illusions as to the feelings of those who will be affected by the document for a dozen years hence and far beyond.

Indeed, those ultimately affected include generations whose parents and grandparents have yet to be born.

The decisions made now will affect where those generations live, where they shop, where they attend school and where they work.

It is sometimes difficult for us to grasp, as individuals, that we have a real voice in such matters, and that if enough of us are for or against something the decision-makers will take heed or face consequences.

We do have that power, though, and we should never forget the fact.