VOTING is taking place today in the Piddle Valley on proposals for an area Neighbourhood Plan.

If approved it will shape planning policies in the area in the future.

Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm at both Piddletrenthide and Piddlehinton village halls.

Councillors at West Dorset District Council’s Strategy Committee agreed in February to go ahead with the referendum on the Piddle Valley Neighbourhood Plan.

The plan was drawn up by local people, and agreed by the parish council.

Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act 2011 and aim to give residents more say in the future use of land and buildings in their area. The plan can suggest where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected.

If the plan is supported by the local referendum it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

Cllr Ian Gardner, Planning Portfolio Holder for West Dorset District Council, said: “Residents of the Piddle Valley now have the opportunity to shape their community through the Neighbourhood Plan, as modified by the independent examiner.”

The plan can be viewed online at dorsetforyou.gov.uk at South Walks House in Dorchester or Sherborne Town Council offices, Sherborne.