BCP COUNCIL have extended their Local Plan consultation after pressure from community groups.

More drop-in events have also been added for residents to attend.

The ongoing Issues and Options Consultation, is part of the process in developing a draft Local Plan for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The consultation, which now closes on Friday March 25, is a chance for everyone to have their say.

Read more: BCP Council 'mistrust' over complexity of key consultation

Councillor Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration, said: “We’ve been really pleased with the response so far to this important consultation – which is designed to get a steer from the public on issues that are important to them prior to us preparing the actual Local Plan later this year. Indeed, to date we’ve had over 6300 unique visitors to our website.

“We always intended to have some physical events as part of the consultation, but this plan had to be halted when the Omicron COVID variant forced new restrictions.

"With the government guidance now having been changed, we’re relieved to be able to bring these plans back and allow for a time extension to give those taking part additional time to feed in their views.

“We’re pleased to announce four drop-in events at Bournemouth, Christchurch, Broadstone and Rossmore libraries later this month.

Please come along, ask questions and learn more about this consultation. Officers will be available to provide support to help you take part, either online or using our paper forms.

"We will also be holding an online evening webinar, which will also be a further opportunity for people to find out more.”

Drop-in information events will take place at:

  • Bournemouth Library: Monday February 28 from 10am-3pm
  • Christchurch Library: Tuesday March 1 from 9.30am-2.30pm
  • Broadstone Library: Wednesday March 2 from 10am-12pm
  • Rossmore Library: Wednesday March 2 from 1pm-4pm

An online webinar will also be held on Thursday March 3 from 6-7pm.

Councillor Broadhead, said: “Developing a Local Plan means that we will have to consider a whole host of issues and opportunities.

"That’s why, before we begin that work, we are seeking public opinion on 10 different topics- including challenges around building new homes, climate change, protecting our natural environment and supporting the local economy.

"Everyone can tell us about what matters to them and there is no need to complete the whole consultation- you can just respond to the topics you are most interested in.”

Residents can take part in this consultation by:

  • Going online and completing the survey haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/LocalPlan
  • Emailing the Planning Policy at bcplocalplan@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
  • Visiting any of the libraries in the BCP area, reading the Issues and Options Consultation document and completing a paper copy of the summary survey
  • Downloading a copy of the survey and emailing it back at bcplocalplan@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
  • Or writing to the Planning Policy Team, at BCP Local Plan, BCP Council, PO BOX 9548, Bournemouth, BH1 9ET