RESIDENTS are being urged to help shape future development in their area.

Askerswell has been preparing a neighbourhood plan, to be used when planning decisions are made, and there is still time for you to have your say.

A consultation is currently taking place on the plan, details of which can be found online, and all comments must be made by April 23.

Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council spokesman for planning, said: “Neighbourhood plans are a great way for a community to help shape future development in their area. I would encourage people with an interest in the Askerswell area to have their say on the plan before April 23.”

Askerswell parish council has asked for the district council to arrange for its proposed plan to be assessed by an independent examiner.

Comments made prior to the closing date of April 23 will be sent to the examiner along with the plan. The examiner’s report is expected later this year and, depending upon what it concludes, the district council will arrange for a referendum within the parish to decide if the plan should come into force.

The consultation can be found at dorsetforyou.gov.uk or by contacting the council’s planning policy team by email at s.policy@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk