IT is not an exaggeration to say a masterplan for Northern Gateway has been looming in the background for a number of years.

But things look to have moved a step forward as Colchester Council is set to lodge a planning application for the next phase of their plans as early as next month.

Which is why it is so important to have your say on what you think of the plans at a series of pre-submission consultation events which have been scheduled for the next few days.

A strong showing from the public could help to shape the development before it is put in.

Of course, there will still be time for comment, both for and against, when the application has been lodged but things are much easier to adapt, tweak and readjust at this stage of the process.

This part of the plan could see up to 350 homes built.

That alone should be enough for anyone living in the northern part of town to want to take a look at what is being proposed and have their say.

It will have an impact.

Some parts will be good, and others not so good, but it is important to have a full picture about what is being proposed for the area.

Credit where credit is due, the council is seemingly putting all of their cards on the table and being transparent about what they want to do.

So it makes sense for people to get involved in the democratic process and help shape the future of their community.

Because once it is built there will be no going back.

It has to go right first time.