Residents of communities around the Chesil Bank area are to be given a say over development plans for new homes, shops and offices in their area.

The first formal stage of creating a blueprint for the area's future – known as a Neighbourhood Plan – is now underway.

The Chesil Bank Parish Group Council – which incorporates the villages of Portesham, Abbotsbury, Langton Herring and Fleet – triggered the process by requesting that West Dorset District Council agree to designate a Neighbourhood Area.

According to WDDC, a Neighbourhood Plan aims to give residents more control over their local area, when plans for new homes, shops and offices in their town or village are considered.

Once the plan is written, it will be consulted on locally and submitted to the district council for independent examination.

It will also be subject to a local referendum to make sure it has the support of local people.

Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council’s Planning portfolio holder, said: “The Neighbourhood Plan will allow residents of Chesil Bank to have more say and influence regarding development in their area.

“It is very important that local people get involved and help shape the future of their community.”

Anyone interested in helping prepare the Neighbourhood Plan can contact Mrs Michele Harding, parish clerk, on theclerk@chesilbankparish.org

Any parish council or parish meeting that might be interested in forming a neighbourhood plan should contact strategic@dorset.gov.uk for more information.