RESIDENTS from six West Dorset villages will have the chance to shape the future of their community through the development of a local plan.

Villagers from the Broadwindsor area, which covers Blackdown, Burstock, Drimpton, Netherhay and Seaborough and Broadwindsor, have submitted an application to West Dorset District Council for the approval of a Neighbourhood Area.

The proposal was submitted by the Broadwindsor Group Parish Council, and is the first formal stage of preparing a neighbourhood plan.

Producing a neighbourhood plan gives local communities the power to shape the development and growth of their area; helping to deliver the homes, jobs and facilities that their community needs.

Cllr Jacqui Sewell, West Dorset District Council ward member for Broadwindsor, said: "This is an opportunity for residents of the Broadwindsor area to have a say on how their community develops.

“Anyone wishing to comment on the proposal to approve this particular Neighbourhood Area should submit their views to the district council.”

Residents who have any comments about whether this is the right area for the neighbourhood plan to cover, can send them to the Spatial Policy team at West Dorset District Council by Friday 21 August.

Once the plan is written, it will be consulted on locally and submitted to the district council for independent examination. It will also be subject to a local referendum to make sure it has the support of local people.

Residents can post their comments to West Dorset District Council, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ or email s.policy@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk

Those interested in helping with the preparation of the neighbourhood plan can contact Steve Chubb, Broadwindsor Group Parish Council Member, by email at chubbies1@btinternet.com

Any parish council or parish meeting that might be interested in preparing a neighbourhood plan should contact s.policy@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk for more information.