PEOPLE in Poole are being invited to have their say on how the town should be developed over the next 16 years.

Borough of Poole is consulting residents on a review of the core strategy plan that sets out the strategic vision for where and how many homes, jobs and shops will be created up to 2031.

There will be drop-in sessions where council staff will answer questions and views can be submitted online.

Around 700 new homes need to be built each year, which is a significant increase on the council’s current housing target of 500. A number of businesses also want to expand but finding suitable sites in Poole is proving difficult.

The consultation document outlines three options for achieving 500, 700 and more than 700 homes per year. Continuing with the council’s current strategy, increasing site densities, expanding outward and relying on neighbouring authorities to meet some of Poole’s needs are all possibilities.

Alongside the core strategy the council is also reviewing its Community Infrastructure Levy, a local planning charge on development to help pay for the town’s infrastructure.

“Poole will see a lot of change over the period to 2031,” said Cllr Mike White, cabinet portfolio holder for regeneration and inward investment.

“We will see the delivery of new homes, jobs and other facilities that will be required to help Poole prosper over the coming years.

“It is important that we listen to the views of local people when developing our strategies for the future to help us guide development and change across the town.

“We would welcome everyone’s views on the most appropriate option for accommodating growth in Poole in the future.”