YOUNGSTERS have been given a voice in consultations over the future of housing.

In a series of workshops, students from The Purbeck School, Lytchett Minster School and The Swanage School spoke out about housing.

They were part of the public consultation over an upcoming review of the Purbeck Local Plan.

Councillor Laura Miller, district council spokesman for housing and vice chairman of the Partial Review Advisory Group, led the school workshops.

She said: “We have been asking local people for their views on development in the district, so it was good to give younger members of our community the opportunity to have their say too.

“The workshops at The Purbeck School have raised awareness of many issues that will affect future generations.

“The students at The Purbeck School Council have been intelligent, engaging and articulate throughout all our workshops.

“It’s fantastic that they have worked with us and they even created their own online survey for students which can be found on our online consultation portal.

“Their responses will be counted alongside all others.”

Mr Guy Swallow, head of pastoral care at The Purbeck School, was keen for the students to have the opportunity to work alongside the district council.

Councillor Miller and Mr Swallow plan more workshops and collaborations between the council and Purbeck School next year, and hope that students will come into the council for work experience.

The consultation closes at 4pm on Friday 12 August 2016 and further details can be found at dorsetforyou.com/purbeck-partial-review.