Proposals for quarrying minerals in Dorset during the next 16 years have been published.

Dorset produces a number of important minerals including ball clay, Portland and Purbeck stone, sand, gravel and oil.

The Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Minerals Core Strategy sets out plans to make sure these minerals are extracted in ways that will have the least effect on people and the environment. It has been put together by Dorset County Council in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole councils.

People are invited to comment about whether they think the plan is ‘sound’ and ‘legally compliant’ before it is submitted to the government later in the year.

Councillor Robert Gould , Cabinet member for environment at Dorset County Council, said: “Dorset has some great assets.

“It’s our job to make sure that quarrying is done with local interests at heart.

“The consultation gives local people a chance to air their views on the proposals.”

The plan outlines how much mineral will be provided and identifies broad areas from where minerals will be sourced. It does not identify specific sites – this will be the subject of another consultation document later on. The deadline for responses is September 28. For more information, visit dorsetforyou.com/mcs or call 01305 228571.

Copies of the strategy can be viewed at County Hall in Dorchester , the civic centre in Poole, the town hall in Bournemouth, the main offices of the district and borough councils and libraries across Dorset.