EAST Dorset people are being urged to unite with their neighbours in Christchurch to have their say on development threats to green belt land.

People from Corfe Mullen to Burton are facing a 20-year building programme on unspoilt land if the government accepts the recommendations of an independent planning panel.

The Draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) recommends building 2,400 new homes on East Dorset's green belt, and up to 600 homes on land north of Christchurch Borough, by 2026.

Now district councils in East Dorset and Christchurch are launching a "joint core strategy" to make sure the voices of people living near the proposed developments are heard.

The strategy will decide where to build houses in areas including West Parley and Roeshot Hill if government minister Hazel Blears gives the thumbs-up to the panel's recommendations this summer.

Affordable housing, the growth of Bournemouth Airport, and tourism are other issues that will be covered by the joint approach.

A six-week consultation ends on May 6, and councillors from both authorities are urging people to get involved.

An "issues and options" survey begins the consultation, with voters asked for their solutions to the problems of car dependency, a slow-down in town centre shopping, and housing targets.

Cllr Mike Dyer, East Dorset District Council's planning chief, said: "Its important that all those with an interest in East Dorset should make their view known."

Special leaflets with details of the joint strategy are available from libraries and council buildings in both districts, or can be downloaded from dorsetforyou.com.