Loders could have a Neighbourhood Plan if residents give it the go ahead.
Councillors agreed at West Dorset District Council’s Executive Committee on 8 March to go ahead with the referendum on Loders Neighbourhood Plan.
The plan was drawn up by local people, and agreed by the parish council, who felt confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community.
Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act 2011 and 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 might be protected.
A local referendum will take place on 5 May 2016, with locals going to the polls to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the proposals.
If the plan is supported by the local referendum it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.
Cllr Ian Gardner, Planning Portfolio Holder for West Dorset District Council, said: “This is a rare opportunity for the residents of Loders to take part in shaping their community through the Neighbourhood Plan but they will need to be on the electoral roll if they wish to vote in the May referendum.”
Member of Loders Neighbourhood Plan Group, Michele Warrington, said: “We are really happy that the council has supported the plan and that they have agreed that we can now go forward and let the residents of Loders vote on the plan. The group have worked hard on the plan and will look forward to finding out the results of the referendum.”
The referendum will be held on 5 May. You have to be registered to vote by Monday 18 April 2016 to vote in the referendum. You can check if you are registered to vote by telephoning 01305 838299.
Loders residents can vote in person at Loders Village Hall, Main Street, Loders, Bridport DT6 3SA. The polling station will be open from 7am to 10pm on 5 May.
To vote by post or proxy in this referendum, you will need to have filled in an application form and sent it to the Electoral Registration Officer. Postal and proxy vote application forms are available online at dorsetforyou.com/how-to-vote or by contacting the district council.
Applications to vote by post must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 19 April 2016. To vote by proxy, application forms should be received by 5pm on Tuesday 26 April 2016.
The result of the referendum will be available on 9 May.
The plan can be viewed online at dorsetforyou.com/loders or at South Walks House in Dorchester and Mountfield, Rax Lane, Bridport DT6 3JP.
