THE Christchurch Citizens' Association is urging residents to have their say on one of the largest development plans in the town centre for decades.

Comments on the plans must be received by Christchurch Borough Council by the December 30 deadline.

A letter, complied by the citizen's association, which has represented local residents since 1944, has been circulated to homes across Christchurch.

This letter states: "We want everyone to be able to have the opportunity to comment on this change to a strategic site, which is part of the conservation area of our historic town."

Major plans to transform this central site in Christchurch, with more than 130 homes and extensive development, were unveiled earlier this month.

Developer Aster Homes has submitted its plans for the former police station and magistrates court site in Bargates.

And it includes 131 homes, 39 sheltered accommodation units, “flexible” commercial and community space which could include a museum, a new link road between Barrack Road and Bargates, and public open space.

The plans would see the demolition of the magistrates court, police station, Goose and Timber pub and numbers 23 and 41 Barrack Road.

It would also lead to the loss of the council owned pit site car park.

The police station building has been boarded up over the past few months due to a rise in anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

These proposals came months after a consultation with the public and key members of the community.

Two Puffin crossings will be installed on the A35 Barrack Road, near the entrance to the current Pit Site car park.

A pedestrian island is also proposed near the main residential access on the A35 Barrack Road.

The accompanying planning statement explained: “These improvements will help not only to improve highway safety for pedestrians crossing these roads but are also a physical measure that will help to make walking a more attractive option for residents.”

On the need to make representations, the Christchurch Citizen's Association, stressed: "It is not just one representation per house but one per adult, so please do use your right to respond.

"Objectors should used their own words and write their letters themselves Objections will not carry the same weight if they are seen to have been written or produced in standardised form."

Visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk and follow the links for planning to have your say.