Introduction

This guide provides an explanation of how to respond to the Dorset Council Local Plan options consultation 2025 by using the online survey

We recommend using the online survey as this greatly assists our analysis of the responses, enabling more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised. 

Your details and demographic questions

At the start of the consultation survey, you will need to complete the required questions on the ‘Your details’ page. You may also complete the 'demographic questions' on the following page, although these are completely optional. Gathering information on the demographics of the responders helps us ensure our consultation response comes from a representative sample of residents.

After these sections, you can pick and choose which subject areas you would like to give your views on. You don’t have to answer every question. 

Finding different sections

At the beginning of the survey (after the 'Your details' and 'Demographic questions' pages) you will be able to select which parts of the consultation you would like to view and comment on. 

Additionally, on each page you will find a menu (usually at the bottom of the page) which gives you options for what you would like to do next. 

To move to another section choose a ‘Where would you like to go now’ option before selecting continue. The system will remind you if you forget.

If you have responded to any of the questions on that page, the system will save your responses when you click 'Continue'.

If you want to use the 'First', 'Back', or 'Save and come back later' options at the bottom of each page, you will need to select any option from the 'Where would you like to go now' question (the system will remind you if you forget).

Saving your progress

Every time you select where you want to go next and click 'Continue' your responses will save.

To save and return later:

  • click ‘Save and come back later’
  • you'll be emailed a link to get back to a saved version of the survey
When using the 'Save and come back later' option you will need to select any option from the 'Where would you like to go now' question (the system will remind you if you forget).

Submitting your response

To share your comments with us, you will need to submit your survey response. 

When you’ve finished your comments and are ready to submit your views:

  • click ‘Continue to the end of the survey to submit your comments’ 
  • click ‘Submit’

You can do this from the menu at the bottom of each page.

You will then receive an email acknowledgement which will include a link to download a copy of your responses. Please be aware the copy of your responses will include a record of the pages you have visited, even if you haven't answered questions on those pages.