PLANS for more than 30,000 homes in Dorset have emerged in the council’s local plan.

The Government has said 30,481 new homes must be built in Dorset by 2038 - around 1,793 each year.

In Northern Dorset (Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Sherborne and surrounding areas) 4,389 new homes are proposed - including a 1,800 home expansion of Gillingham.

Residents have until March 15 to share their views on where the homes should be built, and which areas should be protected from developments.

Gillingham

Nearly 2,000 homes will be built in Gillingham as part of the local plan.

By 2038, Dorset Council wants Gillingham to have a “good range of shops and community facilities” and an enhanced town centre.

As part of the planned southern extension, 1,800 homes will be built, land at Barnaby Mead will provide 50 homes, and St Martins on Queens Street will provide 55 extra-care homes.

Shaftesbury

Dorset Council wants Shaftesbury to also have a range of shops and services, retain its distinctive natural character and improve local employment opportunities.

The plan states, due to significant development in recent years, “there are limited opportunities left without having significant impacts on the town’s character”.

Sherborne

More than 1,200 homes are planned for Sherborne in Dorset’s local plan.

Existing allocated sites in Sherborne includes land at Barton Farm, land at Sherborne Hotel and Gas House Hill.

The further growth of Sherborne will be delivered near Barton Farm, and land north and south of Bradford Road.

Stalbridge

In Stalbridge, 610 new homes are planned, and the council hopes the area will “retain its historic character”.

Opportunities to develop include the existing site east of Thornhill Road, land south of Station Road, land north and south of Lower Road and land adjacent to The Sidings as an employment site.

The plan said, development of addition retail provision outside the town centre will be resisted.

Sturminster Newton

By 2038, the council hopes Sturminster Newton will be a vibrant market town with a well-used town centre.

The Sturminster Newton Neighbourhood Plan makes provision for around 300 new homes at Market Field site, north of Honeymead Fields, north of Manston Road and land south and east of Elm Close.

To have your say visit Dorset Council's website - where you will also find webinars and podcasts about the proposals: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-council-local-plan.aspx