RESIDENTS and businesses in Shillingstone are being urged to have their say on where future homes, shops and development should go in the village.

A public consultation has opened on a revised Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan, giving people the chance to influence how the village could change in the years ahead.

People have until Friday, July 24, to comment on the updated planning document, which aims to give the community a stronger voice over how land and buildings are used locally.

Shillingstone Parish Council first introduced a neighbourhood plan in 2017, but after reviewing changing needs in the village, a refreshed version has now been submitted for independent examination.

The revised plan has been updated to reflect changes in local planning priorities, including housing delivery, future development land and clearer planning policies.

Dorset Council is legally required to consult on the document before it moves to the next stage with all comments submitted by the public to be reviewed by an independent examiner.

Cabinet member for planning Cllr Shane Bartlett praised the work behind the update.

“It takes a tremendous amount of work to create a Neighbourhood Plan,” he said. “It takes even more commitment to review an existing neighbourhood plan.

“I congratulate all involved for reaching this stage with the review of the Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan.

“While neighbourhood plans have to align with the Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework document, they are an important part of the planning process.

“Neighbourhood plans give local communities a real say in how their area could change over time. I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Shillingstone to take a look at the revised neighbourhood plan and submit any feedback they may have.”

If approved after examination, the revised plan will help guide future planning decisions in Shillingstone.

Copies of the plan can be viewed at Sturminster Newton Library, in Holy Rood Church in Shillingstone or online via https://consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/spatial-planning/shillingstone-npr/