RESIDENTS will have the chance to hear about the Stinsford Neighbourhood Plan and the 10-year development plan of Kingston Maurward College at an upcoming event.

Luke Rake, Principal of Kingston Maurward College, is to give a talk about the history and future of the college, including its new 10-year development plan.

The talk takes place at 6.30 pm on Tuesday, August 20 in the Whatmoor Room at Kingston Maurward and is free and open to all.

Organisers of the event, Stinsford Neighbourhood Plan Group, said: “We hope this will give local residents a chance to learn more about the Kingston Maurward estate, which lies at the heart of our parish.

"As a major educational centre, employer and visitor attraction, it has a big part to play in the parish's future.

"Stinsford's neighbourhood plan aims to provide a voice for the local community in how Stinsford should develop over the next 10-20 years.

"We hope that as many parish residents as possible will come along to meet the Neighbourhood Plan group and to hear what Luke has to say.”

The ten year masterplan on the Stinsford Parish website is largely complete and a draft was shared with the local community earlier in the year.

Minor revisions have occurred following consultation with the parish council and other neighbours and this has now been approved by the governing body and submitted to local authorities for inclusion in the local plan.

Mr Rake said: "Stinsford Parish and Kingston Maurward College are intrinsically linked, with the estate occupying not only a large area but also an important architectural and cultural focus which requires care and sensitivity.

"When I was appointed the board and I discussed the need for a more coherent approach to planning for the estate, and the ten year plan is the result, which takes into account the sensitivity of the college's surroundings and history, but also allows us to move forward.

"I wish to ensure Dorset has a core employment and training site of national excellence. Working closely with the parish and consulting at many council meetings, we believe a have a fantastic future ahead. This meeting allows us to share not only our heritage, but also our vision."