Neighbourhood plans in Dorset

Neighbourhood planning is about giving local people a say over the future growth of their area.

They can say what new homes will look like and where they will be built, where employment should be located, what community facilities should be protected or what others are needed as well as protecting green spaces and the environment.

Supporting information

For further information see the following links:

• see neighbourhood planning how to and useful links
• see made neighbourhood plans
• see neighbourhood plans in progress
• designating a neighbourhood area

Neighbourhood planning news

Bere Regis Parish Council has submitted the Bere Regis Neighbourhood Plan Review for examination. We are inviting comments on the submitted plan from Monday 8 June to Monday 20 July 2026 (inclusive). To view the plan and to submit comments, go to the Bere Regis Neighbourhood Plan Review consultation page.

Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to Dorset Council on 28 April 2026 for review. The Regulation 16 Consultation will run from Monday 1 June until Monday 13 July 2026 (midnight). For further information please look at our Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan webpage.

On 28 April 2026 Dorset Council made a decision to designate the West Stour Neighbourhood Area. The application was submitted by The Stours Parish Council (Group).

Dorset Council Cabinet ‘made’ (adopted) the Marnhull neighbourhood plan on 21 April 2026. To view the plan and other associated documents, see our Marnhull Neighbourhood Plan webpage.

Shaftesbury Neighbourhood Plan – First Review has completed examination. To view the plan and the examiner's report, see our Shaftesbury Neighbourhood Plan webpage.

How neighbourhood plans related to adopted local plans in Dorset Council

When adopted, neighbourhood plans become part of the development plan for the area. See the adopted local plans. This means they will sit alongside the Local Plan and be considered in deciding whether or not planning permission should be given. Plans that will be adopted after the adoption of the Dorset Council Local Plan will become part of this plan.

Please see the maps below showing the designated neighbourhood areas and the neighbourhood plans in the Dorset Council area:

• a map of designated neighbourhood areas
• a map of made neighbourhood plans