Dorset residents are being encouraged to have their final say on county-wide mineral and waste plans.

The plans by Dorset County Council allocate locations for future mineral sites and waste and recycling facilities across the county. This version has considered previous comments received in earlier consultations.

The mineral sites plan allocates suitable sites for quarrying of sand, gravel, building stones and ball clay to meet development requirements and lists 21 specific sites.

In addition to the specific site allocations, the mineral sites plan also identifies an aggregates Area of Search and the Puddletown Road Area, for improved site management and restoration.

The waste plan considers how much waste is being produced in Dorset, how it is currently being managed and how this might change. It also identifies sites to meet the need for new waste management facilities in the future - 13 site allocations are included in the final draft waste plan.

Cllr Daryl Turner, Dorset County Council cabinet member, said: "We strongly encourage people to give us their views on the proposals over the next eight weeks. This will help us to decide on the most suitable sites to assist in building a sustainable economy for the future whilst protecting Dorset’s unique environment.”

This will be the last opportunity to comment before the plans are submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, during early 2018, and subsequent independent, public examination takes place.

The mineral site plans are available at dorsetforyou.gov.uk/mineral-sites with the waste plans available at dorsetforyou.gov.uk/waste-plan

At this stage, residents should only comment on whether or not you consider the plan to be sound (positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy) or legally compliant as these are the matters which the inspector will consider at the examination. Further guidance is available on the council's website.

To have your say on either or both documents, submit your comments online at dorsetforyou.gov.uk/consultationor by completing a representation form which can be downloaded from our website or requested from the minerals and waste planning policy team on 01305 228585\228571 or by emailing mwdf@dorsetcc.gov.uk