PLANS for the future of Romsey and nearby villages have moved a step forward.

Cabinet members at Test Valley Borough Council backed the new corporate plan during a meeting held on March 13.

Now the proposal is set to be discussed at the full council meeting in April.

As previously reported, improvements on town centres across the Test Valley, more opportunities to increase the range of materials that can be recycled, the development of neighbourhood plans and more support to the community to ensure residents’ voices are among the priorities of Test Valley Borough Council for the next four years. According to the plan, the authority, in partnership with Romsey Future, will develop a masterplan for the redevelopment of the south of Romsey.

The authority is also set to work with local businesses and stakeholders in the market town to promote tourism and visitor offers.

Work will also be undertaken to support volunteers and new businesses across the borough.

In its plan the council has also pledged to work with communities to explore opportunities to deliver more affordable homes and ensure the right infrastructure is secured. Tackling homelessness also remains a key area of focus. The specific actions and projects that the authority will take forward will be listed in the Corporate Action Plan (CAP) which has not been published yet.