A final version of the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to the council for examination. The plan has been drawn up by local people, and agreed by the town council, in a bid to reflect the hopes and views of the local community. Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act 2011 and aim to give residents more say in the future use of land and buildings in their area. For example the plan can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected. If the neighbourhood plan is approved following examination, and supported by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.