Residents invited to have their say on Bradford Abbas and Clifton Maybank Neighbourhood Plan

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

A final version of the Bradford Abbas and Clifton Maybank Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to the council for examination. 

The plan has been drawn up by local people, and agreed by the parish council, who feel confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community.  

Once the independent examination is complete, the neighbourhood plan will be used to inform decisions on planning applications in consultation with the National Planning Policy Framework and the adopted Local Plan.

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

People who live, work or run a business within the Bradford Abbas and Clifton Maybank area are invited to comment on the proposals.

Anyone wishing to raise concerns or make representations has until Monday 31 August 2026 to do so. The plan and any comments received to the consultation will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider.

Cllr Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Planning Enforcement, said:

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

“Neighbourhood plans 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 where important green spaces might be protected.

I encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Bradford Abbas and Clifton Maybank, to view the neighbourhood plan and submit any feedback they may have.”

The plan can be viewed online. A hard copy of the Neighbourhood Plan will also be available for public inspection at St Mary’s Church, Bradford Abbas, and the Dorset Council Offices in Dorchester during their usual opening hours.

Comments on the plan can be submitted through our online form, by email or by post to Spatial Planning, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, DT1 1XJ 

Anyone commenting on the plan should let the council know if they wish to be kept informed of the progress of the Bradford Abbas & Clifton Maybank Neighbourhood Plan.