Dorset Council sets out next steps for new local plan process

A new local plan that will help guide Dorset's future growth and development has entered its first stage of work.

Dorset Council has begun preparing a new local plan after deciding to move to the government's new plan-making system. Anyone who shared views during the council's 2025 local plan consultation does not need to submit those comments again at this stage, as previous responses will continue to be considered.

The new government plan-making system means councils must now follow a different process when preparing local plans.

Dorset Council has chosen to use this new system, which includes several stages of consultation before a final plan is produced.

The first stage of the new process began on 21 September. Known as a scoping consultation, it is designed to help identify the broad issues the local plan should address and inform how future consultation stages are organised.

More detailed stages of consultation will take place in March and autumn next year, giving people opportunities to comment on evidence, growth options, planning policies and proposed site allocations before the plan is finalised.

Cllr Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, said: "We know many people have already taken the time to share their views about Dorset's future and we want to reassure them that those comments will be considered as we progress the local plan. There is no need to repeat submissions that were made during the 2025 consultation.

"The first stage of the new process is about setting the scope of the plan and understanding the issues organisations and individuals think it should address. It is not a consultation on housing numbers, proposed development sites or draft planning policies.

"There will be further opportunities next year for residents, businesses and organisations to comment on those details as the plan develops. We want people to understand the process and know when those opportunities will arise."

Under the government's new plan-making system, Dorset Council will carry out three stages of consultation. Following the current scoping stage, which ends at midnight on 26 October, people will be able to comment on emerging evidence, growth options and site allocations in March next year.

And in autumn 2027 people and organisations will be asked to comment on the final draft of the local plan.

People can find out more about the local plan process and sign up for updates on Dorset Council's website.