A final version of the Loders Neighbourhood Plan was submitted to the district council for examination and a referendum was held on whether to accept or reject the plan on 5 May 2016.
Residents of Loders voted overwhelmingly to accept the plan, with 83 per cent of votes cast in favour.
The plan has been drawn up by local people, and agreed by the parish council, who feel 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 a neighbourhood plan can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected.
The Loders Neighbourhood Plan will now be used in deciding planning applications.
Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council’s Planning Portfolio Holder, said: “It is great news that the residents of Loders agreed to adopt the Neighbourhood Plan, which will now be used to help shape their community by being used to decide planning applications.”
The full result of the Loders Neighbourhood Plan referendum can be found by visiting www.dorsetforyou.com/elections/west-dorset-results-2016.
The plan can be viewed online at www.dorsetforyou.com/neighbourhoodplanning/west/weymouth and on the Loders Parish website www.lodersparish.org/.
A hard copy of the plan is available at the district council offices in South Walks House, Dorchester and at Bridport Library. Loders Parish Council also has copies available and residents can ask to see it on 01305 871268.
