A local referendum will take place in Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca on Tuesday, February 22, Dorset council has announced. Voters will be asked in a yes/no vote if they want to approve the proposals in the villages’ local plan. Residents have to be registered to vote by February 4 to take part in the referendum where the polls will be open from 7am to 10pm.

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 say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected.

If the plan is supported by the local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

The Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca neighbourhood plan can be viewed here dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/yetminster-ryme-intrinseca-neighbourhood-plan with hard copies of the supporting material on display in Dorchester and Sherborne Libraries.

By Faith Eckersall