MARHULL locals are being urged to submit their thoughts on the draft neighbourhood plan for the village.

A neighbourhood plan is a community-led document that sets out the type of future growth each area needs.

It can help decide what areas should be developed, or not, and allows residents to have a greater influence over planning decisions, including shops, homes and offices – including what they could look like.

Marnhull’s neighbourhood plan has been developed by residents and has been agreed by the parish council.

It has now been submitted for independent examination, but before this can take place, Dorset Council is required to launch a consultation on the draft plan.

This gives the local community the opportunity to provide feedback by Friday, September 19.

If the neighbourhood plan is approved following examination, and supported by a local referendum, it will be used to inform decisions on planning applications in consultation with the National Planning Policy Framework and the adopted Local Plan.

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Councillor Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “It takes a tremendous amount of work in order to put together a Neighbourhood Plan. I congratulate all involved in getting to this stage.

“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.

“The plans give local communities a real say in how their area should change over time.

“I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Marnhull to view the plans and submit any feedback they may have.”

How to have your say

People who live, work or run a business in the Marnhull parish area have until Friday, September 19 to submit comments. The plan and comments will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider.

Click here to view the plan.

Anyone commenting on the plan should let the council know if they wish to be kept informed of the progress of the neighbourhood plan.

A paper copy of the Neighbourhood Plan will be available for viewing at:

Sturminster Newton Library (open Monday 10am to 3pm, Tuesday 2pm to 5pm, Thursday midday to 6pm, and Friday and Saturday 10am to 1pm).

St Gregory’s Church, New Street, Marnhull (open daily 9am to 4:30pm).

It is also possible to request a copy by email or post by emailing neighbourhoodplanning@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, phoning 01258 484224, or writing to Spatial Planning, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ. A set of paper copies of the consultation documents will be charged at £26 plus £5 postage and packing.