More youth projects are among the proposals from an association as it is moves towards becoming a charitable organisation. 

As previously reported, the Poundbury Residents’ Association is going through a process of becoming a more inclusive, community organisation.

This follows a year's research carried out into the Big Poundbury Conversation, in which residents were asked about their views on the area and what they would like to see changed.

The conversation highlighted four areas which includes a community hub, which has been mooted by residents in Poundbury as a solution to give more opportunities to young people. 

To carry this project out, the association is looking to gain charitable status so they are in a better position to advocate, act and fundraise for the whole community.

To achieve this, the Big Consultation has been launched to gather residents ideas in how the changeover should happen. This includes choosing a new name for the association.

Chair of the residents’ association, Lesley Clark said: "Part of forming as a community association will be providing provision for young people, because you need sustainable provisions if you want to build a sustainable community.

"Youth projects in Poundbury will go ahead. We have been engaging with the youth council and the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester as well as other schools in the area.

“We have also been making very proactive links with the Dorchester Youth and Community Centres who have received funding before on projects to find out more about how we can learn from them."

Membership is currently limited to residents, with proposals that this could be extended to businesses, voluntary workers and charities.

A proposed new system could see members split into full membership- for residents, associate membership- for non-resident employees and volunteers. Local business owners and charitable organisations operating in the development would have access to corporate membership. 

Mrs Clark said: “We are very aware that our community is a part of Dorchester and we want to work to help benefit all that both live and work here. We have been working closely with Dorchester Town Council to achieve our goals.

“For the formation of a new community association there will be hopes of more representation from the diversity of people in Poundbury."

In the survey for residents, members are given the option to vote on membership dues. The options include a £1 minimum donation, with £50 donation for Corporate membership. Other options suggest a £5 donation and a £100 donation for Corporate membership, free membership and a donation based on means.

Mrs Clark said: “Having a larger and broader membership is about being sustainable and needing the funding stream.

“Our aim is to achieve charity status which will allow us better access to funds and resources. We’re currently consulting with members on payment options, as currently there is no payment method.

“We’re looking to suggest a minimum donation in the hopes that more donations will follow once the Community Association can prove its viability and vibrancy to the local area.”

The consultation period closes at the end of June.