A NEW plan detailing possible sites for housing and other development in a Vale village has been submitted.

Buckhorn Weston and Kington Magna Parish Council has submitted a new neighbourhood plan, for the period between 2021 and 2038, for examination by Dorset Council.

The plan has been drawn up by people in the parish, and agreed by the council, 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.

The plan can include where new homes, shops or offices might be built, or where important green spaces might be protected.

If approved, and supported by a local referendum, a neighbourhood plan will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

For the parish, the plan concludes 12 new homes will be required in the period covered.

Dorset Council is required to consult on the plan proposals before the examination can take place – and people can now have their say.

People who live, work or run a business in the Buckhorn Weston and Kington Magna neighbourhood area have until Friday, December 22, to raise any concerns they may have about the plan, which will be passed on to an independent examiner to consider.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “It takes a tremendous amount of work to pull together a Neighbourhood Plan. I congratulate all involved in getting to this stage.

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

The plan can be viewed online and comments also submitted via the Dorset Council website.

Copies of the plan will also be available for public inspection at: Gillingham public library; St John the Baptist Church, Buckhorn Weston; The Stapleton Arms, Buckhorn Weston; All Saints Church, Kington Magna; and Kington Magna Social Club.