Poundbury residents were given the chance to voice their opinions on the draft proposal for The Great Field.

A public exhibition was held at The Quiet Space on Monday to showcase the scope of the proposal to the public and listen to their feedback.

The plans have been created using feedback from previous consultation workshops and have been brought forward by the Duchy of Cornwall and Dorchester Town Council to provide new outdoor facilities, wildlife and pastoral space for the residents of Poundbury and Dorchester.

Ben Murphy of The Duchy of Cornwall said: “We had a fantastic response with more than 350 workshop attendees and over 400 pieces of individual feedback received across the consultation period. Since then, we have created a draft masterplan to reflect feedback from the local community, and we’re holding a public exhibition to unveil the plans and ask residents of Poundbury and Dorchester for their views.

He added: “Based on the community’s feedback, our draft masterplan focuses on a vibrant mix of natural play equipment and sporting amenity space in the south of The Great Field with more natural planting and wildlife habitats in the north, including a woodland walk, wildflower meadows, open parkland and a poppy field to mark the centenary of the First World War.

“The community feedback told us there should be sports, play and entertainment space in the south, designed to be in-keeping with the natural environment. As a result, we are proposing play and Parkour equipment made from natural materials, an amphitheatre, and grassed space for team games. We are also including a one-mile walking, cycling and jogging track around the edge of the field, parts of which will also be suitable for push chairs and wheelchairs.”

Residents attending the public exhibition of the draft masterplan had mixed feelings about the proposal.

Rosemary Briggs, a resident, said: “They seem to have accomplished what most people want.

“It seems to me like it will be a really nice green space and we need a green lung for this area of Dorchester.”

Graham Douglas, a resident, was disappointed a skatepark didn’t make the final draft and said: “I think there should be a skate park for children. If you want to open-up the generations to the field they should build one.”

Naomi Cooper, a resident, said: “I am very excited and happy with what I have seen.”

Susie Hosford, Mayor of Dorchester Town Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see local people participating in the consultation for facilities on The Great Field in Poundbury, and to see the draft masterplan take shape. If you took away a feedback form it is really important that you complete it and return it via the Freepost address, so your thoughts are shared with the project team. We look forward to seeing the masterplan develop, with the community’s input, so that a range of facilities are delivered for the benefit of everyone.”

After the consultation stage, the final draft will be submitted to West Dorset District Council early next year.

Residents will be able to send feedback on the public exhibition until Monday, January 8 2018.

You can send feedback to the following Freepost address: FREEPOST POUNDBURY GREAT FIELD (please write on the envelope in capitals; you don’t need a stamp). Alternatively, you can get in touch by phone 0800 840 2750 or email info@poundburygreatfield.co.uk to leave feedback or ask a question.