People living in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch area are to have the opportunity to have their say on the local plan at drop-in events at the beginning of November.

This local plan will set out a strategy for how much, where and what type of development will take place across the conurbation until 2039.

It will also provide detailed planning policies and site allocations to guide future new development.

The council’s draft local plan is set to be published later this year subject to agreement from cabinet and council, and will go out to consultation in January 2024.

Cllr Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council and portfolio holder for Dynamic Places, said: “Bringing forward a new local plan for the BCP area is a significant milestone. Once adopted, it will provide clarity and consistency to our planning approach.

“The Local Plan will also be supported by 33 individual ward policies, which all councillors have had the opportunity to help shape.

“As we progress, it is vital that we continue to engage with and inform our residents. That’s why we have arranged drop-in information events early next month at four local libraries.”

The council’s drop-in information events will allow people to view the working draft documents, as well as providing an opportunity for people to make suggestions to planning officers before the formal consultation phase early next year.

The drop-in events are being held on: Monday 6 November, Kinson Library, 10am-7pm; Tuesday 7 November, Christchurch Library, 10am-7pm; Thursday 9 November, Poole Library, 10am-6pm and Friday 10 November, Boscombe Library, 12.30-5pm

Cllr Margaret Phipps, lead member for Local Plan Delivery, said: “The cross-party working group, supported by Planning Policy colleagues, has been working hard behind the scenes to bring forward a draft local plan.

“Preparing a local plan takes time, but it is vital that we get it right and it stands the test of time.

“I’d urge people to take the opportunity, if they can, to attend one of our organised drop-in information events and talk to our planning officers.”

If you are unable to attend one of the events, individuals and organisations will have another opportunity to provide further feedback once the draft plan is published in the New Year.

Any comments will then be passed onto an Independent Examiner from the Planning Inspectorate for consideration as part of the formal examination process.

Once adopted, the BCP Local Plan will replace the three current local plans serving the region.