View and comment on the revised Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan

People who live, work or run a business in Shillingstone are encouraged to submit comments by Friday 24 July 2026 on a revised neighbourhood plan for the village.

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.

Shillingstone Parish Council has had a neighbourhood plan since 2017. Following a review of that plan, the parish council has submitted a revised version for independent examination.

The plan, produced by the parish council and local residents, has been refreshed to reflect changes since the first neighbourhood plan. These include current planning needs, including updates to the forecast and actual stock of houses built so far, and land available for development. The refreshed plan also aims to make certain policies clearer.

Make comments on the revised plan from 12 June 2026 to 24 July 2026. 

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

The plan and any comments received in the consultation will be passed on to an independent examiner to consider.

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

“It takes a tremendous amount of work to create a Neighbourhood Plan. It takes even more commitment to review an existing neighbourhood plan. I congratulate all involved for reaching this stage with the review of the Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan.

“While Neighbourhood plans have to align with the Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework document, they are an important part of the planning process.

“Neighbourhood plans give local communities a real say in how their area could change over time. I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Shillingstone to take a look at the revised neighbourhood plan and submit any feedback they may have.”

Neighbourhood plans, like all planning documents, benefit from being reviewed from time to time to ensure they are still relevant and continue to meet local needs.

If the revised neighbourhood plan is approved following examination, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications in Shillingstone.

Paper copies of the draft neighbourhood plan will also be available for public inspection at Sturminster Newton library during opening hours (telephone 01258 472669).

The document is also available to view in Holy Rood Church, Church Road in Shillingstone.

Anyone commenting on the plan should let the council know if they wish to be kept informed of the progress of the revised Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan.

Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act 2011 to guide and shape development in a particular area. They are an important way for communities to get involved in the future development of the areas where they live. See all neighbourhood plans in Dorset.