In addition to voting for the Police and Crime Commissioner and just a few town council by-elections on Thursday 6 May, people in Dorset had the chance to vote for Neighbourhood Plans in some areas.

The turnout was highest in Arne, with 47.2% with 479 votes in favour and 36 against.

The area where most were in favour was Blandford with 2,054 voters giving their approval and 394 against – turnout 25.9%.

Other results were: Chickerell, 1,006 votes in favour, 184 against – turnout 24.7%; Milton Abbas: 162 votes in favour, 32 against  – turnout 42.3%; Portland, 1,653 votes in favour, 346 against – turnout 21.5%; Puddletown, 341 votes in favour,  45 against – turnout 33.5% and Shaftesbury, 1,556 votes in favour, 216 against – turnout 26.9%.

The neighbourhood plans will now be taken to Dorset Council Cabinet, where councillors will decide whether to formally adopt them (or ‘make’ them).

If formally adopted, the neighbourhood plans will be used to inform decisions on planning applications in the area.

When adopted, neighbourhood plans become part of the development plan for an area. They sit alongside a local plan and are considered in deciding whether or not planning permission should be given.