* Consultation asks where should new houses be built in Cherwell

* Public opinion sought on 'Options for growth' paper

* Consultation runs 29 September 2008 to 24 November 2008

Detailed information has been published in a public consultation paper entitled 'Options for Growth'. The council wants anyone with an interest in the future of Cherwell District to have their say.

The council is inviting comments on how housing development might be distributed across the district, where major housing development might go in Banbury and Bicester and how housing development might be distributed to other areas.

The consultation will help the council prepare a core strategy for Cherwell – a broad planning framework including plans for housing growth to 2026. (The council is required to do this by the government). It is hoped responses to the consultation will help narrow down the options.

Councillor Michael Gibbard, portfolio holder for planning and housing, said, "There are some difficult decisions to make about where housing should go and we need to hear people's views before we decide which are the best options. Although our housing targets are set for us by national and regional government, we have some real choices about how we provide that housing".

The council will hold a number of exhibitions to publicise the consultation. Dates and venues will be announced soon.