Residents of Tincleton, West Knighton, West Stafford and Woodsford have the opportunity to shape their community through the development of a neighbourhood plan.

Dorset Council has approved the request from Knightsford Parish Council for the designation of a neighbourhood area, which is the first formal stage of preparing a plan.

The neighbourhood plan aims to give residents more control over their local area when plans for new homes, shops and offices in their village are considered.

Once each plan is written, it will be consulted on locally and submitted to Dorset Council for independent examination. It will also be subject to a local referendum to make sure it has the support of local people.

Wimborne St Giles and Colehill have also requested the designation of a neighbourhood area with hopes of adopting a neighbourhood plan.

Councillor David Walsh, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for planning, said: "I am pleased that these communities have taken the initial step to prepare a plan for their areas. Well done to everyone involved in getting to this stage.

"I know how much work it takes to pull together a neighbourhood plan, but the benefit of having more influence over planning decisions in your community make the effort worthwhile.

"I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of these villages to look at the available information and engage with their neighbourhood plan steering group."

The Knightsford plan area can be found on the Dorset Council neighbourhood plans in progress page.

Residents of Tincleton, West Knighton, West Stafford and Woodsford who are interested in helping with the preparation of the neighbourhood plan can contact parish clerk, Ms Emma Selway, at [email protected]

The Knightsford map may also be of interest.

Any parish council or parish meeting that might be interested in forming a neighbourhood plan should contact [email protected] for more information.