PLANNERS have launched the second stage of a consultation that could shape the future of house building across Purbeck.

Last autumn, after Purbeck District Council asked for local opinion, nearly 2,000 people responded to a housing survey.

According to officials, two-thirds of respondents supported the district’s preferred option of house distribution, including: * 200 houses at Swanage * 200 at Wareham * 70 at Upton * 50 at Bere Regis * 50 at Lytchett Matravers * 50 house at Wool Now a series of leaflets are being distributed asking for residents to further pinpoint where they want development to take place.

Purbeck District Council leader Cllr David Budd said: “The district council is required to provide 2,400 new homes by 2026, plus land for employment purposes and there is not enough room in our towns and villages to make these provisions.

“Therefore, we need to extend these areas and now is the chance for people to have their say.”

Five leaflets, covering the north east, north west, central, south east and south west Purbeck, will be sent to every home and business in the district this month.

These leaflets highlight sites which have been submitted by landowners and give options where development could possibly be located.

Cllr Budd said: “Development undoubtedly brings pressures and difficulties, but it also presents us with opportunities, such as the provision of affordable homes for local people.

“This consultation is a way in which everyone can get involved in planning for their local area,” he added.

The consultation, running from June 1 until July 30, includes a series of roadshow events, where councillors, developers and housing officials will be on hand to answer questions.

Consultation roadshows: * Bere Regis Drax Hall, June 28, from 4-8pm * Lytchett Matravers Village Hall, June 30, from 4-8pm l Swanage Mowlem Theatre, July 8, from 5-8pm * Upton Community Centre, July 19, from 4-8pm * Wareham Corn exchange, July 12, from 4-8pm * Wool D’Urberville Hall, July 5, from 4-8pm.