THE PUBLIC in Ledbury, and the press, must wait for a consultation period to begin before having sight of the Neighbourhood Plan.

The same is true of the Town Plan.

Until then, both blueprints for the town's future are firmly under wraps.

There was heated debate last week after the leaking of documents and maps purporting to come from Neighbourhood Plan working party meetings.

There were also calls for the public to be better informed about the emerging plan.

In response, the Ledbury Reporter asked for up to date copies of the Neighbourhood Plan and also the Town Plan.

But Ledbury town clerk, Karen Mitchell, in response said: "The Town and Neighbourhood Plans are not yet at the stage for public consultation. When they are at this stage the council will invite public comment and you will be able to have a copy."

However, the minutes of the recently disbanded Neighbourhood Plan working party can be inspected on the town council website at http://www.ledburytowncouncil.gov.uk/NP_Agenda__Reports_.aspx

The documents leaked to the press were not the actual minutes, but they did match the minutes on a number of points.

Several interesting points do emerge from the minutes.

For instance, the Neighbourhood Plan is now behind schedule. In March 2013, the Neighbourhood Plan working party resolved to "produce a Plan (at least ready for independent examination) within 12 months, extending to 18 months, if necessary".

Possible housing land in addition to the north of the viaduct site, favoured by Herefordshire Council, was indeed discussed by the Neighbourhood Plan working party.

For example, at a meeting on October 7, 2014, a presented list for possible housing included the John Masefield High School; Lower Rd Industrial Estate; Lawnside and Ledbury Park, among others.

At the same meeting, a list for possible employment land sites included Lawnside and the Little Marcle Road.

But none of the potentially controversial recommendations are rubber-stamped, because the full town council has the final say and the responsibility of completing the Neighbourhood Plan is now in the hands of consultants, Foxley Tagg.

The Town Council website says of the minutes: "Recommendations contained within these reports are not acted upon until ratified by Full Council."

The Neighbourhood Plan Working Part was disbanded in late autumn.