THE new mineral sites plan for Dorset, which includes sites for future quarrying, is nearing completion.

This plan, which is part of a public consultation, identifies future sites for sand, gravel, stone and ball clay extraction.

It includes seven sites for sand and gravel, a site in Purbeck for the production of crushed rock, five small scale Purbeck Stone quarries, three extensions to building stone sites in north and west Dorset and a site for the production of recycled aggregates near Poole.

The Secretary of State appointed Inspector Elizabeth Ord to conduct an examination to consider whether the mineral sites plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements.

Public hearing sessions were held in autumn 2018 with a further session in February 2019 to consider the proposals.

Following these public sessions, changes to the plan were made and Dorset Council is encouraging people to consider the issues discussed and comment on the proposed changes.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Planning said: "We strongly encourage people to give us their views on the proposed changes during this consultation.

"This is the final opportunity to comment on proposals.”

The consultation runs until June 20, 2019.