RESIDENTS have been helping draw up plans for the former RAF Locking site. The site, now named Locking Parklands, is due to be redeveloped next year by its owners, the South West Regional Development Agency and English Partnerships, who want to build scho

RESIDENTS have been helping draw up plans for the former RAF Locking site.The site, now named Locking Parklands, is due to be redeveloped next year by its owners, the South West Regional Development Agency and English Partnerships, who want to build schools, offices, leisure centres and up to 1,800 new homes.Both groups asked residents to have a say in what is built at an event at the Winter Gardens in Weston.Some of the ideas suggested for the land include a school and community facilities, open spaces and an area reflecting the history of the site such as a parade ground or monument.Richard Eastham, from the consultation team, said: "We're really pleased with the way people have engaged with us. It's been very positive."It's been difficult and everybody has had to make difficult choices. We've been trying to understand all the issues the local people have and they have been able to see how complex the planning side of it is."A public plan has now been drawn up and will be tested over the next couple of months. A number of public meetings will be held so more people can have their say.Oxford Instruments is the first company which has signed up to move onto the site and the plan for the whole development will be submitted with the planning application for the new business in January next year.