Askerswell residents can now begin to shape the future of their community after West Dorset District Council approved their application for a neighbourhood forum.
The neighbourhood forum, made up of 29 local residents, can now develop a neighbourhood plan for the area.
A neighbourhood plan gives residents more control over their local area and makes sure new homes and businesses are built where and how local people want them.
Askerswell is the first community in the district to establish a neighbourhood forum.
The area the neighbourhood plan will cover was agreed alongside the forum application and encompasses the whole of Askerswell parish.
The two applications were agreed at an executive committee meeting in February following an eight week consultation period.
West Dorset District Council Head of Planning Community & Policy Development Hilary Jordan, said: “It’s great that the residents of Askerswell have taken the opportunity to create a neighbourhood forum and have a say on the development of their local area.”
West Dorset District Council has a duty to provide technical advice and support to those communities who wish to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan. The district council is also responsible for approving the neighbourhood area.
More information on Neighbourhood Plans can be found at https://www.dorsetforyou.com/neighbourhoodplanning/west/weymouth
