EMBARGOED UNTIL JANUARY 29 (MONDAY)

RESIDENTS and businesses across Purbeck are being asked to help shape future development in the district up until 2033.

As part of the Purbeck Local Plan review district leaders have been told to set out preferred sites for 1,700 new homes, in addition to just under 1,200 already planned or expected to be built.

Up until now, the partial review of the local plan - essentially a blueprint to help govern local development - had called for 3,080 new homes.

However, residents groups across the district - including the Pan Purbeck Action Campaign - reacted to the previous numbers with hostility, arguing they were far too high and that Purbeck District Council had failed to consult properly.

From the end of January households and businesses will receive a questionnaire on options for new homes.

There will also be questions about second homes and affordable homes.

PDC leader Cllr Gary Suttle said: "We have listened carefully to the response from residents during our previous consultations and are now reviewing the number of new homes and where these could go.

"We are also asking questions about second homes and affordable homes.

"If you live in Purbeck or Crossways, please look out for a questionnaire arriving through your letterbox at the end of January."

The consultation document lists the possibility of new homes at a number of sites at Wool, Redbridge Pit/Moreton Station, Upton and Lycthett Matravers.

Cllr Suttle said: "The district is in need of homes for local people, whether it is young people who want to stay in Purbeck, homes for people who will look after us as we get older, or homes for those facing homelessness.

Please make sure you have your say."

Further information will be available at dorsetforyou.gov.uk/Purbeck-local-plan-review

Ends

THERE will also be a series of drop-in events focusing on the plan:

n The Purbeck School, Wareham, 10am-4pm, February 3

n Emmanuel Baptist Church, Swanage, 10am-4pm, February 10

n Lytchett Matravers Village Hall, 10am-4pm, February 17

n St Dunstan's Church Lounge, Upton, 10am-4pm, February 22

n D'urberville Centre, Wool, 10am-4pm, February 24

n Bere Regis Scout Hut, 10am-4pm, March 3

Moreton Village Hall, 10am-4pm, March 10