A PLAN which aims to shape the future of Poole town centre and Hamworthy has been approved by the council.

It follows a referendum earlier this month which saw more than 90 per cent of those who voted back the neighbourhood plan prepared by Poole Quays Forum.

The plan was designed to make Poole and Hamworthy a more attractive place to live and work and will set the agenda for any development planned for the area.

It includes policies to protect open spaces, calls for high quality design in new developments and also focuses on improving the town centre and Quay.

Plans to add more facilities in the centre of Hamworthy are also included.

During a full council meeting on Tuesday night (Feb21) Poole council agreed to adopt the plan.

The decision means that with immediate effect, the Poole Quays Forum Neighbourhood Plan forms part of the statutory development plan for the area. It has the same status as a Development Plan Document (DPD) and must be taken into account as part of the decision making process when considering planning applications within the area.

Cllr Ian Potter, cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: “The recent referendum gave a clear steer that residents wanted to shape development and growth in the area in which they live.

"We would like to congratulate Poole Quays Forum and their supporters for all their hard work in getting their plan adopted.”

Poole Quays Forum, which is now a registered charity, was set up in July 2012 and has around 250 members. It was formed to give local people a say in regeneration of the town.

Chairman Bill Constance said: “We are delighted that the Poole Quays Forum Neighbourhood Plan has been adopted by the council and will form part of the Development plan for the area.

“It has been a long, and at times challenging, but always interesting project.

"Thank you to the many people who have invested their time, energy and expertise into this successful outcome. These have included officers from the council, local business people, professionals and the local community. It has been a real community exercise.

“Now that the plan is made we look forward to working together with developers, the council, local businesses and the community towards achieving the aims and objectives of the plan, which is to make the area a better place in which to work, live and play.”