PEOPLE think the Localism Bill will allow them to stop developments in their area – they’re wrong.

That was the message from a Bournemouth Council planning officer.

Phil Robinson was invited to address the meeting of Pokesdown South Residents’ Association on Wednesday at the Tattoo Parlour Cafe.

Neighbourhood Plans are the local planning policy documents that people will be able to create under the Bill.

He said people need to set up a group, identify an area for the plan, get more than 50 per cent of votes in favour – and the plan will cost the council £10,000 to £50,000 to create.

Mr Robinson said the government’s aid with neighbourhood plans was reducing the number of objections through public involvement – but encouraging more development.

He added: “These plans are growth plans. Unless you are proposing more development, you are never going to get it through.”