Debate over the future of Swindon will open today, as the borough council asks for responses to its updated draft local plan.

And people who live in Highworth and Wroughton have been urged to put forward their views about the legally-required planning document, which sets out where the town and borough could grow in terms of housing or employment land.

The new document includes huge allocations of houses in Wichelstowe, the New Eastern Villages and Kingsdown, and highlights new large allocations for Highworth and Wroughton.

Ward councillors who are members of the Conservative cabinet, Maureen Penny and Cathy Martyn and Brian Ford have expressed their lack of support for it.

The consultation will last six weeks, ending on January 31.

A copy of the plan is available at swindon.gov.uk/localplan.

People can submit their comments via: swindon-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/ or by e-mail to forwardplanning@swindon.gov.uk.