CHRISTCHURCH and East Dorset councils have been awarded £160,000 grant towards a joint planning system.

The government grant came after a bid made by the partnership to bring the planning systems together.

Cllr Ray Nottage, leader of Christchurch council, said: “It’s very encouraging to see that central government has recognised the innovation that we are introducing to our ways of working and welcome the support that the award gives.”

Cllr Ian Monks, Leader of East Dorset District Council, added: “This funding will ensure that we move forward in a positive way.”

The award is one of three involving the partnership and includes the Stour Valley and Poole Partnership – Christchurch, East Dorset, North Dorset and Borough of Poole councils, which has received £300,000 for a shared IT system while Bournemouth Borough Council has been awarded £262,000 to work with Poole and all Dorset councils on sustainable waste management.