A PLANNING application to breathe new life into the Charles Street area of Dorchester looks set to be submitted early next year.

The second stage of consultation on the development has just been launched and organisations, community representatives, businesses and individuals have until the November 11 to make their views heard.

But once the consultation is complete developer Simons Developments Ltd will start to draw up plans for the site ready for submission to West Dorset District Council.

Simons development director Mark Lewis said: "We are delighted with project progress.

"Over the last few months we have been able to resolve a number of complex challenges with relation to the site and reach agreement on the proposed way forward with key stakeholders and statutory consultees.

"We were also very pleased with the response to the stage one consultation.

"The feedback received allowed us to understand more about local aspirations and concerns and, while we will not be able to accommodate all of the suggestions, the responses have played an important part in shaping the decisions taken and we believe we will be able to satisfy core aspirations for the development.

"In addition, we have signed the development agreement with West Dorset District Council. This important legal document formally binds the Council as landowner and Simons as developer, and is an essential part of making this scheme happen.

"Having completed all of the initial preparation work, we are now entering a particularly exiting phase. We will be developing detailed scheme designs prior to submitting a planning application, and we look forward to receiving the feedback from the Stage Two consultation to inform our considerations."

Information and consultation packs are available as downloads on the project website. They can also be collected from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre in Antelope Walk.

Local organisations and representatives should have already received packs by now, asking them for their input. Any organisations that have not yet received a pack can still ask for materials to be sent via the project website at www.CharlesStreetProject.com.

A public meeting will be held at the Corn Exchange, on 17 October 17 2007 at 7pm to provide a forum for open discussion.