A referendum will be held so Bere Regis residents can decide if they want Dorset Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan to help it determine planning applications for the area.

Councillors agreed at the final Full Council Meeting of Purbeck District Council on March 19 to go ahead with the referendum on the Neighbourhood Plan.

The plan was prepared by the community of Bere Regis. It sets out a vision and objectives for how the parish will develop from 2019 to 2034.

If the plan is supported by the local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

The referendum will take place on Thursday, May 2. Everyone registered to vote in the parish of Bere Regis will receive a polling card specifically for the Referendum. Anyone who has not registered to vote should do so by Friday, April 12 2019 at gov.uk/register-to-vote

Neighbourhood Plans allow communities to work closely with Local Planning Authorities and create plans to shape their areas

The plan can be viewed online at dorsetforyou.gov.uk; at Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham; or at the Bere Regis Parish Council offices.