A DORSET community could have a Neighbourhood Plan if residents give it the go ahead.

Following the successful examination of the Sturminster Marshall Neighbourhood Plan, Dorset Council has agreed that the plan, as amended, can go to referendum. Residents must have been registered to vote by August 12 to vote in this referendum.

The referendum will take place in Sturminster Marshall on Thursday, August 29, with local residents going to the polls to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to the proposals.

The plan was drawn up by local people and agreed by their Parish Council who felt confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of their local community.

What is a neighbourhood plan?

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.

If the plan is supported by the local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “Residents of Sturminster Marshall now have the opportunity to shape their community through their Neighbourhood Plan.

“I would like to thank the residents involved and the Parish Council for their hard work and commitment in creating this Neighbourhood Plan and getting to this stage.

“Residents will need to ensure that they are on the electoral roll if they intend to vote in the referendum on the last Thursday in August.”

View the plans

The Sturminster Marshall neighbourhood plan can be viewed online with hard copies of the material available to view at Wimborne Library, and the reception area of County Hall, Dorchester.

How to vote

The Sturminster Marshall Neighbourhood Plan referendum will be held on Thursday, August 29. You have to have been registered to vote before August 12 to take part in this referendum.

The polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on August 29. You now need photo ID to vote at a polling station.

Questions can be emailed to: neighbourhoodplanning@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Alternatively, they can be posted to: Spatial Planning, County Hall, Colliton Park Dorchester DT1 1XJ.