A DRAFT version of a blueprint that could shape future development in Purbeck up until 2034 has been approved by district chiefs.

Earlier this year residents and businesses were encouraged to have their say on the document, which will set out preferred sites for 1,700 new homes over the next 15 years - in addition to just under 1,200 already planned or expected to be built during the same period.

Around 8,000 residents responded to a questionnaire and telephone survey, Purbeck District Council (PDC) says, and these findings have been used to help shape the draft Purbeck Local Plan.

This document will set out the favoured sites for redevelopment across Purbeck, putting the local authority in a stronger position to deal with any proposed developments on sites not highlighted within.

Now, the draft Purbeck Local Plan has been agreed by PDC after a packed meeting held at The Purbeck School in Wareham.

Councillors also agreed to approve an estimated £75,000 from council reserves to cover remaining costs of the document.

A PDC spokesman said: "A big thank you to everyone who responded to all our consultations on the council's new local plan.

"The responses have helped us draft a range of policies which will form the Purbeck Local Plan 2018-2034."

A statutory six week period for comments on the latest document, open to residents and businesses, will now take place.

"All comments will be passed to an independent planning inspector who will examine the plan before it can be adopted in 2019 and then used to determine planning applications," continued the spokesman.

The draft plan consultation document lists a number of areas for possible development, including sites at Wool, Redbridge Pit/Moreton Station, Upton and Lytchett Matravers.

Earlier this year, PDC leader Cllr Gary Suttle said: "The district is in need of homes for local people, whether it is young people who want to stay in Purbeck, homes for people who will look after us as we get older, or homes for those facing homelessness."

The draft plan and all supporting documents and forms can be found at purbeck-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/