COULD this be the future for Broadstone's busy shopping area?

This pedestrian-friendly vision for The Broadway - which sees the strip of parking spaces known locally as 'the Toast Rack' replaced by wide, open pavements - is one of the ideas set out in the Broadstone Forum Neighbourhood plan.

This 66-page document which will guide future development in the Broadstone area is currently being consulted on.

It lays out strategies for the management and protection of green spaces, provision of housing, preparing for climate change, access and movement and enhancing a vibrant economy.

It also sets out an aspiration to create a second planning document - a 'Masterplan' - for transforming the centre of 'the village.' Specific proposals here include including creating a 'public realm' along The Broadway, with wider pavements where pedestrians have priority, and building a new multi-storey car park on the existing car park at Station Approach to offset the loss of spaces.

Broadstone ward councillor Mike Brooke, who is the chair of Broadstone Forum, told the Echo he recognises this is "probably the most contentious" element of the plan, but said it was "vitally important" that the principle of a masterplan is supported.

"Broadstone residents can then help shape Broadstone’s future," he said. "The centrepiece of Broadstone is the Broadway. Could the centre of Broadstone look like this, or should it remain a centre dominated by cars?"

If adopted the community-led neighbourhood plan, which has been developed over three years in consultation with the local community, will form part of the statutory development plan for the area, and be taken into account when all planning-related decisions are made, especially the consideration of planning applications.

The Masterplan for The Village centre would be developed later, if residents support it.

Cllr Brooke added: "This consultation represents a critical point in the development process and it is important residents and businesses use the opportunity to have their say. No change is not an option so it is vitally important any future development is managed in the best way possible for residents and businesses alike.”

The public consultation on the draft Neighbourhood Plan began on April 13 and continues until Tuesday May 31. The Neighbourhood Plan, its supporting documents and questionnaire can be viewed at http://broadstoneneighbourhood.uk/

Consultation questionnaires can be completed on line. Hard copies of the plan and documents are on display at Broadstone Library and the reception of Planning and Regeneration Services at Poole Civic Centre.