BROADWINDSOR residents are one step closer to having an adopted neighbourhood plan.

A final version of the document for the Broadwindsor group, which includes Burstock and Seaborough, has been submitted to West Dorset District Council for examination.

The plan has been drawn up by local people and agreed by the parish council, who feel confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community.

Neighbourhood plans aim to give residents more say in the future use of land and buildings in their area.

For example, the plan can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces may be protected.

If the neighbourhood plan is approved following inspection, and supported by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

Cllr Jacqui Sewell, West Dorset District Council’s ward member for Broadwindsor, said: “I am proud to have been involved in the production of the Broadwindsor Group Neighbourhood Plan.

“We held the first public meeting in February 2015, with the steering committee being formed in the May – now nearly four years later it is being submitted for examination.

“My congratulations goes to all the other members of the committee, we have spent many hours researching, taking photographs, delivering and collecting questionnaires, in monthly meetings, at information gathering events and at roadshows. Many cups of coffee were consumed!

“My special thanks goes to Brian H for his meticulous proof reading skills.”

The district council is required to consult on the plan proposals before the examination can take place.

People who live, work or run a business in the Broadwindsor neighbourhood area have until February 6 to raise any concerns they may have about the plan.

These concerns will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider.

Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “Neighbourhood plans are part of the blueprint for future development.

“It takes a tremendous amount of work in order to get to this stage and I would like to congratulate all involved.”

A hard copy of the plan will be available at West Dorset District Council’s offices in South Walks, Dorchester, and at Beaminster Library.

Broadwindsor Parish Council also has copies available, email hello@broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk

The plan can also be viewed online at www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/broadwindsor-neighbourhood-plan and at www.broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk

Comments on the plan can be emailed to strategic@dorset.gov.uk or posted to the planning (community and policy development) team at West Dorset District Council, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ.