A NEW waste plan, which includes sites for future waste and recycling facilities, is nearing completion. The plan has been worked on by Dorset County Council and covers Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole.

It considers what kind of waste is being produced in Dorset, how it is currently being managed and how this might change. It also identifies sites to meet the need for new waste management facilities in the future.

The plan includes new or improved household recycling facilities or transfer stations in five areas: Blandford, Gillingham, Dorchester, Wareham, and Woolsbridge.

Four sites are also included to manage black bag waste: Mannings Heath and Canford Magna in Poole, Parley, Christchurch, and Binnegar Environmental Park near Wareham.

In addition, an extension to the Maiden Newton sewage treatment works is proposed.

Land at Bourne Park, Piddlehinton, is being included in the plan for green waste composting.

The Secretary of State appointed Inspector Nicolas Palmer to conduct an examination to consider whether the waste plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and whether it is sound.

Public hearing sessions were held earlier in the summer to consider the proposals. Dorset County Council, with Bournemouth and Poole councils, is now encouraging people to consider the issues discussed and the changes that are proposed.

A consultation will run from August 31 to October 15.