OPINIONS are being sought on a range of potential options for new waste sites and treatment facilities across Dorset.

Dorset County Council planners are looking at what facilities will be needed over the next 16 years and have identified possible sites where these could be located.

These options are now out for consultation as part of the Dorset Waste Plan and residents and business owners are being urged to look at the possibilities and make their views known by September 23.

One site is needed to manage bulky waste, with options being considered within Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset and Poole.

At least 1ha of land would be needed for the site, which would generate between four and 10 one-way HGV movements per day.

A site is also needed for a residual waste treatment facility, with possible options for this identified in East Dorset and Poole. This would deal with waste that cannot be recovered for recycling or composting and might need up to 3ha of land.

Options are also being considered for a household recycling centre and a waste vehicle depot in East Dorset.

The sites currently being consulted on include Kinson Sewage Treatment Works, Hurn Materials' Recycling Facility, Eco-Composting in Parley, Brook Road in Wimborne, Blunts Farm in Ferndown, Woolsbridge Industrial Estate near Three Legged Cross, West Moors Petroleum Depot, Little Canford Depot in Hampreston, East Dorset Police Headquarters in Ferndown, Bailie Gate industrial estate and extension area and land at Candy's Lane, Corfe Mullen. There are also several sites in North Dorset and Purbeck being considered as options for new facilities serving residents and businesses in these areas.

Residents are also being asked what they think of sites to be allocated for quarrying sand, gravel, Purbeck Stone, Portland Stone and ball clay.

Cllr Colin Jamieson, cabinet member for economy and growth, said: "Planning for the future needs of Dorset residents is vital for our economic future. Having enough quarries will help create jobs and livelihoods for a successful county.

"Providing modern waste management solutions in appropriate areas will reduce transportation, keeping congestion down on our busy roads. They will also help us maximise recycling and divert waste from landfill sites."

The plan can be viewed online at dorsetforyou.com or hard copies are available at Dorset district and borough council offices.