DORSET Council has begun work on a new county-wide local plan which will set out new homes, commercial areas and community facilities, all while promising to protect the county’s 'special environment'.

The council is carrying out a 'call for sites' to identify land that may have potential for development over the next 15 years and beyond.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council portfolio holder for planning, said: “The ‘call for sites’ is an opportunity for agents, landowners and developers to submit land which they believe could be suitable for future homes and jobs.

“The council is interested in sites that may be suitable for housing, employment, affordable housing or for gypsy and travellers and travelling showpeople.”

“Telling us about potential sites now will help give us an understanding of what sites, or wider locations, are available to meet the need for homes, jobs and facilities now”.

Those who own or part-own any site or sites larger than 0.3 ha in size, or with a capacity for 10 homes or more, that may have development potential, is asked to let the council know by completing and submitting a submission form.

The form can be found and downloaded via dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/land-availability

Landowners or agents who have previously submitted a site to any previous ‘call for sites’ in Dorset are asked to resubmit their details.

Alternatively, paper copies can be requested from the Spatial Planning team by email via planningpolicyteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or on 01305 251010.

Completed forms can be posted to Dorset Council, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ or email planningpolicyteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

All site owner details submitted as part of the ‘call for sites’ will remain confidential.

To be assessed sites will need to be submitted by Friday October 25.