RESIDENTS of Sutton Poyntz are being invited to cast their vote in a referendum on the local Neighbourhood Plan.

Following the successful examinations of the plan, Dorset Council has agreed to allow it to proceed to the voting stage. Residents have to be registered to vote by Tuesday, January 28 and the referendum will take place on Thursday, February 13.

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. For example the plan can say 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 David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “Residents Sutton Poyntz now have the opportunity to shape their community through their Neighbourhood Plans, as modified by their independent examiners.

“I would like to thank the residents involved and their respective Town and Parish Councils for their hard work and commitment in creating these Neighbourhood Plans and getting them to this stage."

The Sutton Poyntz plan can be viewed on the Dorset Council website with hard copies of the supporting material on display at South Walks House in Dorchester, Weymouth Town Council offices as well as Littlemoor Library.