BCP Council has formally accepted the Sandbanks neighbourhood plan. 

The local authority has accepted the result of a referendum held earlier this month for the plan which will ultimately give Sandbanks residents more say and power on the future planning in the area. 

The plan will aim to protect the views across and out of the peninsula, while retaining and preserving buildings of interest or architectural significance, designating a list of 24 strategic views in the area. 

Ward councillor John Challinor said: “It’s been a long time in the making.  

“The neighbourhood plan working group in Sandbanks have worked for a very long time and diligently and done this so thoroughly.”  

Andy Martin, ward councillor for Highcliffe and Walkford, added neighbourhood plans are “incredibly valuable” for communities. 

He said: “The Highcliffe neighbourhood plan has made a real difference in our community, it’s really well respected and part of our planning process. 

“It is taken into account fully by the planning officers here in BCP. It’s also led to spin-off things, for example we’re now coming up with a biodiversity strategy.” 

The plan was voted with 96.7 per cent in favour of 203 people – just seven people voted against. 

Council leader Millie Earl added: “I don’t know if that’s a record high but is an incredibly high outcome and fairly good turnout for a neighbourhood plan.”