A PLAN outlining sites for 14,200 new Poole homes has been agreed.

Borough of Poole (BOP) members backed the proposals for the draft Poole Local Plan, which sets out the authority’s preferred sites for development until 2033.

Now, members of the public have the chance to comment on the plan during an eight-week consultation which starts at the end of this month. The draft plan outlines:

Sites for 6,000 homes in the town centre

5,000 homes in other parts of the town, deemed most accessible via public transport

1,900 in the rest of Poole’s urban area,

500 homes on green belt land at Merley and 800 on green belt land at Bearwood.

Julian McLaughlin, BOP’s head of growth and infrastructure, said: “It is important for local people to have an input in the development of strategies for the future.

“We would welcome everyone’s views during the consultation period so that we have a robust plan for accommodating growth in Poole.”

The plan also includes proposals aimed at regenerating the town centre, and it outlines steps to establish the Stour Valley Park concept - a new public open space.

BOP cabinet member for planning and regeneration Cllr Ian Potter said: “Poole will see a lot of change over the period to 2033. We will see the delivery of new homes, jobs and other facilities that will be required to help Poole prosper over the coming years.”

Alongside the plan, councillors also approved a draft Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charging schedule for the eight-week public consultation.

The levy is a locally-set planning charge on new development to help pay for the town’s infrastructure such as education, transport, health and community facilities.

Cllr Potter said: “The draft Poole Local Plan and draft CIL charging schedule sets out a positive planning blueprint that seeks to meet the needs of our communities and help guide development and change across the town.”

Following the public consultation, the draft Poole Local Plan and draft CIL rates are expected to be submitted to the Secretary of State later this year, with the aim that both plans will be adopted in spring/summer 2018.

The public consultation takes place from July 31 until September 22.