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Help us to shape it 

The government requires every council to prepare a Local Plan and a Local Transport Plan. These plans outline how Dorset will develop and how we will maintain and improve transport in the area for decades to come. 

Consultation dates: 18 August to 13 October 2025

The Local Plan 

The Local Plan guides how land in the Dorset Council area will be used. It covers: 
  • housing 
  • sites for businesses  
  • community infrastructure (parks, space for schools and other community services)
  • town centres 
  • how we protect the natural environment 
To make Dorset a better place to live the plan aims to: 
  • build enough good quality homes that fit Dorset's character and meet housing needs 
  • set aside land for businesses to create job opportunities  
  • protect and enhance Dorset’s unique environment, support healthy lives, and promote clean energy 

The Local Transport Plan 

The Local Transport Plan (LTP) sets out goals and policies for improving transport in Dorset over the next 15 years. This plan is developed jointly with Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Council (BCP). 

The plan aims to: 
  • help everyone get around 
  • make travel safe and easy 
  • support jobs and homes by helping towns and villages grow in a suitable way 
  • protect our local environment by cutting down on pollution  
  • encourage more people to walk, wheel or cycle, reducing traffic congestion and promoting a healthier lifestyle 

Local Plan consultation

Tell us what you think about plans for new development sites in Dorset. Complete the consultation before the survey closes on 13 October.

Local Transport Plan consultation

Tell us what you think of our plans for transport across Dorset Council and BCP area for the next 15 years 

Come and speak to us

We are running a series of in-person events during the consultations. Come along to a venue near you and find out more about the plans.

What are the plans about? 

We need to plan for our future generations. That's why we asked some of our youngest residents what they want for the future. They had some very big imaginations. 

Why do the plans matter? 

We need to plan for the homes, jobs, and transport that people need to live well. We want to protect Dorset's beautiful countryside, special habitats, and historic towns and villages.  

We want Dorset to be a place where: 
  • children and young people grow up with confidence and opportunity 
  • working-age people build rewarding careers and live in homes they can afford 
  • older people enjoy fulfilling, independent lives 
Our plans will help by: 
  • guiding good quality development into the right places 
  • protecting our green spaces, heritage, and biodiversity 
  • improving access to parks, playgrounds 
  • enabling reliable greener transport options 
  • encouraging renewable energy 

The Dorset Design Code

The Dorset Design Code will make sure new homes are well designed, in the right places with the right services, and fit in with local character.

Supporting documents and downloads

Minerals and Waste Plan consultation