Puddletown residents have taken the first step towards preparing a Neighbourhood Plan and having more influence in the future development of their community.
Puddletown Area Group Parish Council applied to West Dorset District Council for the approval of a Neighbourhood Plan Area. This has now been agreed.
The area to be covered by the Neighbourhood Plan is only the parish of Puddletown and not the wider group of parishes which includes Athelhampton, Burleston and Tolpuddle.
A Neighbourhood Plan aims to give local communities more control over their local area, when plans for new homes, shops and offices in their town or village are considered.
The parish council is planning a launch event to coincide with the annual Cricket Work Force Day on 13 April 2014. This will take place at the Cricket Pavilion at Puddletown Recreation Ground and everyone is welcome to come along to join in the fun and find out more. It will start at 11am and finish at about 2pm. Refreshments will be available on the day.
For more information about this event and how you can get involved with the Neighbourhood Plan, contact Parish Clerk Amanda Crocker on 01929 472327.
The parish council will be organising further opportunities for ideas and issues to be discussed as the plan begins to take shape.
Cllr Robert Gould, Leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “The Neighbourhood Plan will allow residents to have more say and influence regarding development in their area.
“It is very important that local people get involved and help shape the future of their community.”
Extra info:
Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act which Government passed in 2011.
In areas where there is a parish council, the parish council has been given the powers to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan. In other areas a neighbourhood forum must be designated for this purpose.
West Dorset District Council has a duty to provide technical advice and support to those communities who wish to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan.
More information on Neighbourhood Plans can be found at https://www.dorsetforyou.com/neighbourhoodplanning/west/weymouth
