Plans are in place to fast-track development at an employment site expected to provide thousands of jobs.

Moves are being made to develop a Local Development Order for the Dorset Innovation Park at Winfrith. The order will have the effect of fast-tracking planning consent for future employment and supported uses on the site, subject to a number of conditions.

And residents are being invited to have their say on what these conditions should be, as well as the design of the site.

The park was officially opened by business leaders and politicians earlier this month (FEB) and already hosts two world leaders in defence technology – QinetiQ and Atlas Elektronik UK.

In time, the site is hoped to provide 2,000 new jobs and attract dozens of new businesses to the area.

Stride Treglown has been appointed as lead consultant to develop the order and will be attending two drop-in events which Purbeck District Council has arranged as part of its “New Homes for Purbeck” consultation.

The consultants will be at the events to update residents on proposals for future employment development at the Innovation Park. There will be a series of illustrations on display. These will also be available on Purbeck District Council’s website at www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/ldo/purbeck from February 24, together with an online survey enabling people to give their views on the proposals. The survey will run from February 24 to April 8.

The consultation events take place at the D'Urberville Centre in Wool from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, February 24 and at Moreton Village hall from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, March 10.

Councillor Cherry Brooks, PDC's spokesman for economy and infrastructure, said: “This is an exciting new chapter in the life of the Dorset Innovation Park so we are encouraging people to come along to find out more and also take part in the survey.

“The feedback received will have the potential to shape the future of the site, including the design and conditions which proposals will be required to meet.”

She added: “Progressing the Local Development Order means we can enable co-ordinated development of the site whilst safeguarding the special qualities of this sensitive area. It also helps speed up the planning process for businesses seeking to expand in the enterprise zone.”

Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP director said: “Dorset Innovation Park is expected to facilitate 2,000 new jobs and attract dozens of new businesses to the area. The site boasts 50 hectares of land, of which 35 hectares can be developed. Having a Local Development Order in place will smooth the path to achieving its economic ambitions by simplifying the planning process for subsequent investments.”

There will be a further opportunity to inspect the Draft Order, Site Masterplan and the Design Guide when they are formally submitted later in the year.