A MOVE to allow residents to have greater influence on planning decisions in their area has moved a step closer.

Wool Parish Council has submitted a new Neighbourhood Plan drawn up by local residents for independent examination. 

The plan was agreed by the parish council, which say they feel 'confident' that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community.   

Cllr Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for planning is now encouraging people to give feedback to the proposed plan.

READ: Dorset community to vote on Neighbourhood Plan

He said: “It takes a tremendous amount of work in order to put together a Neighbourhood Plan. I congratulate all involved in getting to this stage. 

“Neighbourhood Plans give local communities a real say in how their area should change over time.

"I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Wool to view the plans and submit any feedback they may have.” 

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 what they should look like.

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Plans can also be used to protect features that the community value, such as locally important green spaces. 

If the Neighbourhood Plan is approved following examination, and supported by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications in consultation with the National Planning Policy Framework and the adopted Local Plan. 

Dorset Council is required to consult on the draft plan before the examination can take place. 

People who live, work or run a business in the Wool parish area have until Friday, October 18 to submit comments regarding the proposed neighbourhood plan.

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The plan and any comments received will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider. 

The plan can be viewed online. The website can also be used for submitting comments. 

Copies of the Neighbourhood Plan will also be available for public inspection at: Wool Community Library (open Tuesday and Wednesday 3pm to 5pm, and Thursday and Saturday 10am to midday); and Bovington HIVE (01929 403185).  

Anyone commenting on the plan should let the council know if they wish to be kept informed of its progress.