RESIDENTS are being asked to help shape future use of the Dorset Innovation Park enterprise zone at Winfrith.

Purbeck District Council (PDC) wants to create a Local Development Order for the business park, which will have the effect of fast-tracking planning consent for future employment and uses on the site.

With this in mind, lead consultants Stride Treglown will be attending two drop-in events as part of the district council's consultation.

PDC economy and infrastructure portfolio holder Cllr Cherry Brooks said: "This is an exciting new chapter in the life of the Dorset Innovation Park so we are encouraging people to come along to find out more and also take part in the survey.

"The feedback received will have the potential to shape the future of the site, including the design and conditions which proposals will be required to meet.

"Progressing the Local Development Order means we can enable co-ordinated development of the site whilst safeguarding the special qualities of this sensitive area.

"It also helps speed up the planning process for businesses seeking to expand in the enterprise zone."

Earlier this month business leaders and local politicians celebrated the launch of Dorset Innovation Park.

The park is the second largest 'strategic employment site' in the county, providing a base for advanced engineering and manufacturing firms.

It already hosts two world leaders in defence technology – QinetiQ and Atlas Elektronik UK

In time, the site is hoped to provide 2,000 new jobs and attract dozens of new businesses to the area.

The launch also marked the completion of a £2.5 million project to create 20 new employment units at the former Winfrith atomic energy site.

Dorset LEP director Lorna Carver said: "Dorset Innovation Park is expected to facilitate 2,000 new jobs and attract dozens of new businesses to the area.

"The site boasts 50 hectares of land, of which 35 hectares can be developed.

"Having a Local Development Order in place will smooth the path to achieving its economic ambitions by simplifying the planning process for subsequent investments."

The drop-in sessions take place at Wool's D'Urberville Centre on Saturday, February 24, from 10am-4pm; and at Moreton Village Hall on Saturday, March 10, from 10am-4pm.