A NEIGHBOURHOOD planning officer is being sought by North Dorset District Council.

The role supports residents as they take control of potential developments in their communities.

Across the area, nine neighbourhood plans covering 13 parishes and more than 60 per cent of the district’s population are under way.

Councillor David Walsh, cabinet member for development, said: “Neighbourhood plans can be resource-hungry and we have recognised that our local communities need more support to help them take their plans forward.

“Re-investing the grants paid by government in this new post is a cost-effective way of giving the support that’s needed.”

It will be the first such appointment in Dorset, and the two-year post will be largely funded from a government grant. For more information, visit dorsetforyou.com