Local residents in Wool, Bovington and East Burton are being asked to give their thoughts to help shape their area.
The Wool neighbourhood plan aims to increase funding available to improve facilities in the parish as a result of development; to identify and protect important green spaces; and to influence what new homes should be like.
Every address in the parish will receive a leaflet asking four simple questions about the parish. You can either fill in the leaflet, or complete a form online on the Neighbourhood Plan website. The questionnaires should be returned by 31October to local collection points – details of which are printed on the leaflets.
Once the views of local people are known, work will focus on the issues people raise. A draft plan will be developed with policies that can carry legal weight in future planning decisions. After examination by a planning inspector, it will be put to a referendum for local people to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to adopt the plan.
Martin Hiles, the Chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: “We are facing huge growth so we want to give the community a voice and to create some binding policies to help shape our future.”
Steve Smith, Vice Chair of the group and local Parish Councillor said: “We want to make the parish a better place for the next generations and we can only do that if people have their say and get involved.”
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Planning said; “We’d like to thank everyone for their hard work to date preparing this consultation. It’s a huge commitment undertaken by members of the local community.
“Although supported by Council Planning Officers, the volunteer steering group have put in so much time and energy to make this happen for their community.”
“We urge you to talk to us by responding to this questionnaire. By doing so you will be helping to shape the future built environment of Wool, East Burton and Bovington and making sure your voice is heard.”
To complete the questionnaire online or for further information visit the new website www.woolparishnp.com
What is a neighbourhood plan?
Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act which passed through Government in 2011.
A neighbourhood plan aims to give residents more control over their local area, when plans for new homes, shops and offices in their town or village are considered.
Once the plan is written, it will be consulted on locally and submitted to the council for independent examination. It will also be subject to a local referendum to make sure it has the support of local people.
More information on neighbourhood plans can be found at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Any parish council or parish meeting that might be interested in forming a neighbourhood plan should contact planningpolicyteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for more information.
