Askerswell is one step away from having an approved neighbourhood plan for its area.
A final version of the Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan was submitted to the district council for examination and a referendum was held on whether to accept or reject the plan on 21 November.
Residents voted to accept the plan, with 82.5 per cent of votes cast in favour.
The plan has been drawn up by local people and agreed by the neighbourhood forum, who feel confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community.
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, a neighbourhood plan can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected.
The Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan will now be taken to West Dorset District Council, where members will decide whether to formally adopt the plan.
Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to bring a neighbourhood plan forward and have it backed by the local community. I look forward to presenting the plan to members and am confident of a positive outcome.”
View the full result of the Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan referendum.
View the Askerswell Neighbourhood Plan online. A hard copy of the plan is available at the district council offices in South Walks House, Dorchester.
