A CONSULTATION on a plan which will guide decisions on planning applications in Dorset for the next 15 years will begin in January.

The Dorset Council Local Plan sets out planning policies and allocations to meet the needs of the whole of the Dorset Council area until at least the year 2038.

The council is holding a public consultation on their draft plan, which outlines the strategy for ensuring the growth that the area needs happens in the right places and is of the right character and quality, while protecting Dorset's natural environment and acting on climate change.

It also ensures that the right level of community services is provided, including schools, as well as retail, leisure and other community facilities.

The first consultation will begin in January 2021 and will last for eight weeks. There will be a further opportunity to comment in late 2021, before the plan is submitted for independent examination and adopted in 2023.

Councillor David Walsh, Dorset Council portfolio holder for planning, said: "We are planning for Dorset's future, for the future of our residents.

"It is so important that we understand everyone's view on the draft Local Plan as much as we can."

The council is required to consult with a range of stakeholders, including public bodies such as the Environment Agency, and voluntary bodies, such as local charities.

Town and parish councils will be consulted as they can provide local knowledge and represent the concerns of local residents, and the council will work with local landowners and the development industry, alongside infrastructure and service providers.

Cllr Walsh added: "We are working closely with all our stakeholders, our own councillors and town and parish councils to make sure we reach all parts of Dorset."

The draft plan will be available on the Dorset Council website. During the consultation, there will be displays in libraries where members of the public can borrow a hard copy of the plan.

The council will have a dedicated phone line available for enquiries and will be holding virtual webinars on key themes within the plan for residents to ask questions about proposals.