Residents' views sought for future Bournemouth plan

It is estimated the Bournemouth Plan will be adopted by December 2011

Bournemouth residents are being invited to give their views on the next stage of the "Bournemouth Plan".

The council said the "key planning document" would set out how the town should be developed until 2026.

It addresses issues such as housing supply, parks and open spaces, and transport and shopping facilities.

Bournemouth Borough Council said it used local feedback from 2009 to help shape the draft document. Public consultation runs until 13 August.

Some of the suggested policies include ensuring the council retains smaller family housing, as well as directing new developments towards key transport routes.

Councillor Robert Lawton, council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "This is one of the last opportunities for local people to view and comment on the suggested policy approaches for developing the town for the future."

Feedback from the consultation will be reflected in a revised version of the plan which will go through a final consultation period next spring.

It is estimated the Bournemouth Plan will be adopted by December 2011.