Community a step closer to adopting neighbourhood plan

A local community has taken a significant step closer to having greater influence over planning decisions in their area.

Sturminster Marshall parish council has submitted a new neighbourhood plan for independent examination.

The plan has been drawn up by residents, and agreed by the parish council, who feel confident that the plan reflects 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 what they should look like. Plans can also be used to protect features that the community value, such as locally important green spaces.

If the neighbourhood plan is approved following examination, and supported by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

Dorset Council is required to consult on the draft plan before the examination can take place.

People who live, work or run a business in the Sturminster Marshall neighbourhood area have until Friday 1 March 2024 to submit comments regarding the proposed neighbourhood plan. The plan and any comments received will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:

“It takes a tremendous amount of work to put together a Neighbourhood Plan. I congratulate all involved in getting to this stage.

“Neighbourhood plans give local communities a real say in how their area should change over time. I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Sturminster Marshall to view the plans and submit any feedback they may have.”

View and comment on the plan at consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/spatial-planning/smnp

Copies of the Neighbourhood Plan will also be available for public inspection at: Wimborne Library; The Spar Shop, Station Road, Sturminster Marshall; and St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Sturminster Marshall. At all locations, this will be during the venue’s normal opening hours.

Anyone commenting on the plan should let the council know if they wish to be kept informed of the progress of the neighbourhood plan.