PEOPLE in Puddletown are set to have more influence on future development in their community.

Puddletown Area Group Parish Council has successfully applied to West Dorset District Council to set up a Neighbourhood Plan Area.

It marks the first step in creating a Neighbourhood Plan for Puddletown parish, which will not include the wider group of parishes that include Athelhampton, Burleston and Tolpuddle.

Creating a Neighbourhood Plan will give local communities more control when plans for new homes, shops or officers in their area are considered.

A launch event is being held in Puddletown to coincide with the annual Cricket Work Force Day on April 13.

The event at the cricket pavilion at the Recreation Ground will run from 11am to 2pm and will give people a chance to find out more about the proposals.

The parish council also plans to organise more opportunities for ideas and issues to be discussed as the plan begins to take shape.

Leader of West Dorset District Council Robert Gould 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.”

For more information about the event on April 13 and how to get involved with the Neighbourhood Plan contact parish clerk Amanda Crocker on 01929 472327.