RESIDENTS are being encouraged to have their say on a Neighbourhood Plan for Gillingham.

The plan includes a new set of planning policies by which developers will be bound, and has been produced by the town council following consultation, and presented to the district council.

North Dorset District Council will next arrange for an independent examiner to assess the document, after which there will need to be a public consultation.

Leader Councillor Graham Carr-Jones said: "Neighbourhood plans are a great way for a community to shape their area.

"I would encourage people with an interest in the future of Gillingham to have their say on the submitted plan."

The plan, supporting documents, and response forms can be accessed online at dorsetforyou.com or can be viewed at Gillingham library, Chantry Fields, and the district council offices at Nordon, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum, during normal opening hours.

All comments must be received by 5pm on Thursday, February 15.

If the examiner approves the plan there will be a local referendum to decide if the plan should be approved.