RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on the Dorset Council Local Plan before the consultation closes on March 15.

Central Government targets mean almost 30,500 new homes are to be built in the county by 2038 - and the new Local Plan sets out a guide for new developments.

The council's eight week consultation is at its halfway point - with a series of podcasts and webinars being held in a bid to communicate the proposals during the pandemic, as well as displays in public libraries, tourist information centres and shop windows.

At the time of writing, Dorset Council says its podcasts have received almost 600 plays and there have had more than 2,000 views of the webinars.

Paper copies of the Local Plan can also be loaned from libraries as part of their order and collect services.

A dedicated phone line, 01305 252500, is available Monday to Friday 10am – 2pm for people with issues about viewing the plan or ask questions of the planning team.

Questions asked as part of the webinar series series are also being published on the council's website.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio holder for planning, said: “We haven’t been able to go to towns and hold information events for people to ask their questions because of the pandemic.

"Instead, the team has approached consultation with innovative solutions such as increasing the availability of the team to respond to questions, trying to explain planning in new ways through webinars and podcasts, and using an interactive consultation to make it as easy as possible for our residents to find out about the plan and submit their comments.

“We have used our social media channels and online advertising to expand our audience as well as using local radio stations and newspapers. In fact, the activity that is happening is much more than we’ve ever done before and we are reaching many more people.

“This is the time for local residents to have their say on the future of Dorset. We want to get everyone’s views on the consultation proposals.”

To view the plans and have your say visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/Dorset-Council-Local-Plan

Podcasts are available at anchor.fm/dorset-council

Webinars are available at www.youtube.com/DorsetCouncilUK

The timetable of webinars and other materials including maps etc can be found at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/planning-buildings-land/planning-policy/dorset-council-local-plan/dorset-council-local-plan-consultation-materials.aspx

Information about the libraries order and collect services at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture/libraries/library-services-during-covid-19/dorset-libraries-re-opening-information.aspx