More time to have a say on Weymouth's Neighbourhood Plan

There's more time for people in Weymouth to have a say on a plan that'll shape future development in the town until 2038.

A public consultation on the Neighbourhood Plan was due to be finished next week, but has been extended until Friday 15th December.

The document sets out things like how to protect 48 green spaces; identifying land for affordable housing; making communities safer and more accessible with nearby facilities; jobs and training opportunities so people can stay local; and making new homes environmentally friendly to reduce bills and carbon emissions.

Councillor David Northam, Chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said:

“Without a plan guiding this development, house builders could build what they want, where they want. Valued local green spaces and habitats would not be protected from development, and the shortage of social housing across the town would increase.”

We can take part in the consultation through an online survey |newtab), on in local libraries.

There's also some more public engagement events planned for residents to go along and find out more - they're being held at:

• St Aldhelm’s Community Hall - 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Wednesday 29th November

• Council Chamber, Commercial Road - 6.00pm to 8.00pm, Monday 4th December

• Council Chamber, Commercial Road, 4.00pm to 6.00pm, Wednesday 13th December

Cllr Northam said:

“If you’re not sure what the Plan is about, look out for a leaflet being delivered to homes in Weymouth which gives a short summary. And if you want to ask questions about it, we still have some public engagement dates where you can read the plan, complete the short survey and get involved in the most important consultation in a generation. This is so important, don’t leave it too late to have your say.”

Once the closing date passes, the plan will be updated based on local feedback and submitted to Dorset Council for a further consultation and independent examination.

There'll then be a public referendum on whether to formally approve the document.

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