The survey includes where to put at least 9,000 new homes by 2031, new gipsy and traveller pitches, and how the Maylands business park in Hemel Hempstead should develop.

New jobs and issues around climate change and the environment are also covered in the consultation, which was launched by Dacorum Borough Council yesterday. (Tuesday, June 30)

Ian Reay, planning chief in the cabinet, said: "This consultation will shape the future landscape of our borough and I would urge all residents to take part.

"Although we have no choice about the level of development we do have choices as to how and where this should be accommodated.

"The council faces the difficult task of weighing up our desire to protect our green spaces with demands for housing.

"We want to make sure that whatever solution we arrive at for the future is going to be sustainable and one that meets the needs of Dacorum and its residents.

"Residents' opinions are vital in helping us make the right decision."

The exact number of new homes destined for the borough remains uncertain following a successful High Court challenge to government growth plans in Hertfordshire.

As a result the council is consulting on a lower number of houses than a previous allocation of 17,000 new homes by 2031.

The bulk of the homes – around 6,500 - will be built in Hemel Hempstead.

The consultation covers proposals for a new town stadium and a green energy centre on the industrial estate, as well as what to do with the part of the Buncefield oil depot where the disaster took place.

It also deals with plans to provide 18,000 new jobs and how to provide 59 extra gipsy and traveller pitches by 2031.

For more information and to take part visit www.dacorum.gov.uk/planning or visit your local library or Hemel Hempstead Civic Centre.

Drop-in sessions have been timetabled at venues across the borough in July.

The consultation closes on August 28 and a firm strategy is expected to be drawn up in 2010.