IN a bid to retain Purbeck's unique character, residents are being urged to offer their views on what makes the area so special.

As part of a district-wide programme, people will be invited to add their input in a review of conservation areas in Langton Matravers, Acton, Corfe Castle, Kingston and Lytchett Minster.

The public consultation will run until May 9, and interested parties will be able to offer their views to Purbeck District Council.

A spokesperson for community planning and policy at the council said: "This is a great opportunity to play a part in ensuring the future preservation and enhancement of our historic towns and villages.

"The consultation gives everyone the chance to contribute to the future."

Conservation areas cover the most historically and architecturally important parts of Purbeck's distinctive towns and villages.

Factors that contribute to an area's character include the quality of the buildings and their characteristics, the historic layout of roads and boundaries, and the impact of trees and green spaces.

The review is to examine current conservation area boundaries and will ultimately result in the production of a character appraisal document for use in planning issues.

"It ensures our conservation area designations are fit for purpose and that planning decisions are well informed," said the spokesperson.

The findings will then be the subject of a further six-week period of consultation scheduled for September.

A leaflet containing further information and questionnaire will be available from Westport House in Wareham, Corfe Castle library, Upton town hall, and Langton Matravers council office.

It will also be available online at purbeck.gov.uk.

Posters will also be on display showing current conservation area boundaries.

Comments should be sent to the design and conservation officer at Purbeck council or emailed to conservation@purbeckdc.gov.uk