West Dorset MP Chris Loder is encouraging residents to have their say on the Dorset Council Local Plan to prevent developments like the one proposed for north Dorchester.

The local plan is open for consultation and it sets out the targets for future housing developments in Dorset, identifying areas where they can be built, including the 4,000 homes proposed on the outskirts of the town.

Mr Loder is opposed to 'Norchester' and supports the work of Save the Area North of Dorchester, a group of local people campaigning against the development.

He said: "I have a strong view about the local plan. It needs to support our village and local economies and we should not be planning for large scale developments such as the 4,000 houses proposed to the north of Dorchester.

"If you feel strongly about it, you must act now to ensure your view is taken into account, by making sure your local Dorset councillor knows your view; and you must also respond to the consultation. Your elected councillor will be able to vote on the plan in due course.

"Our rural economies are not well served by enormous new housing developments of the scale planned for the north of Dorchester. New housing should go to support our local market town and village economies by protecting the future of our village shops, schools, pubs, garages and churches - rather than enabling urban sprawl.

"Please respond to this consultation so that we do not end up with huge housing developments in Dorset."

The consultation can be found here.

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