RESIDENTS can now comment on the revised Shaftesbury Neighbourhood Plan.

Shaftesbury Town Council has today (December 12) submitted the document for examination – four and a half years after the original one was adopted – and, if approved, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

Neighbourhood plans were introduced in 2011 to give people more say in the future use of land and buildings in their area. For example, where new homes, shops or offices might be built, or where important green spaces might be protected.

People who live, work or run a business in Shaftesbury have until Friday, January 30 to submit comments. These will be passed to an independent examiner to consider.

Dorset Council is required to consult on the plan review before the examination can take place.

Portfolio holder for planning Cllr Shane Bartlett said: “It takes a tremendous amount of work to create a neighbourhood plan.

“It takes even more commitment to review a neighbourhood plan once the first one is adopted. I congratulate all involved for their ongoing hard work.

“Neighbourhood 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 Shaftesbury to view the proposed changes to the neighbourhood plan and submit any feedback they may have.”

Copies of the draft neighbourhood plan will be available for public inspection at Shaftesbury Library, or it can be viewed online where comments can also be submitted.