VILLAGERS have the chance to shape their community as the first stage of a development plan is launched.

A Neighbourhood Plan, giving residents more control of their area, is being developed for Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch.

West Dorset District Council has received a request from Maiden Newton Parish Council and Frome Vauchurch Parish Meeting for the approval of a Neighbourhood Area, which is the first formal stage of preparing a plan.

A Neighbourhood Plan aims to give residents more control over their local area, when plans for new homes, shops and offices in their town or village are considered.

They were were introduced in the Localism Act which the government passed in 2011.

In areas where there is a parish council, the parish council has been given the powers to prepare a plan. In other areas a neighbourhood forum must be designated for this purpose.

Residents who have any comments about whether this is the right area for the Neighbourhood Plan to cover can send them to the Spatial Policy team at West Dorset District Council by July 9.

Once the plan is written, it will be consulted on locally and submitted to the district council for independent examination. It will also be subject to a local referendum to make sure it has the support of local people.

Cllr Anthony Alford, Leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “Residents in Maiden Newton and Frome Vauchurch have a great chance to plan the future of their area.

“Anyone who wishes to have their say on the neighbourhood plan area can do so by sending their comments to the district council.”

Residents can comment by post at West Dorset District Council, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ or email s.policy@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk

Those interested in helping with the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan can contact Neville Higman by email at nevillehigman@gmail.com or by phone on 01300 320178.

Any parish council or parish meeting that might be interested in forming a neighbourhood plan should contact s.policy@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk for more information.