Regulations linked to the Coronavirus Act 2020 mean that no neighbourhood plan referendums can take place until 6 May 2021. Planning guidance has been updated. Neighbourhood plans awaiting referendums can be given significant weight in decision-making.
The public consultation on the Puddletown Neighbourhood Plan has now concluded. An independent examiner has been appointed and the plan will shortly be submitted for independent examination. More information is available on our Puddletown Neighbourhood Plan page.
Following the successful examination Dorset Council has agreed the Arne Neighbourhood Plan, as amended can proceed to referendum. Arne Neighbourhood Plan as amended as a result of the examination can now be given significant weight in decision-making. More information is available on our Arne Neighbourhood Plan page.
The Chickerell Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to Dorset Council for independent examination. Public consultation on the plan will take place between 21 August and 16 October 2020. More information is available on our Chickerell Neighbourhood Plan page.
The Shaftesbury Neighbourhood Plan examination has concluded, and the examiner’s report has been issued. More information is available on our Shaftesbury Neighbourhood Plan page.
Consultation (Regulation 14) on the revised draft of Wareham Neighbourhood Plan, interrupted by the restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus, is now closed. The Wareham Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is now considering the comments made before submitting to Dorset Council for consideration. Updates will be posted on the group’s website. More information is available on our Wareham Neighbourhood Plan page.
The Milton Abbas Neighbourhood Plan examination has concluded, and the examiner’s report has been issued. More information is available on our Milton Abbas Neighbourhood Plan page.
Weymouth has been designated as a neighbourhood plan area. The Neighbourhood Plan group can now begin work on their plan.
A consultation on a draft Decision Statement, relating to the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan 2011 – 2033 proceeding to referendum, took place from 8 May 2020 to 26 June 2020. The draft statement and the responses received can be viewed via the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan page. The council will consider the responses received prior to issuing its final Decision Statement.
The Upper Marshwood Vale Neighbourhood Plan has been formerly made by Dorset Council on 5 May 2020 at the online full council cabinet meeting. More information is available on the Upper Marshwood Vale Neighbourhood Plan page.
The Sutton Poyntz Neighbourhood Plan has been formerly made by Dorset Council on 5 May 2020 at the online full council cabinet meeting. More information is available on the Sutton Poyntz Neighbourhood Plan page.
The Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan has been formerly made by Dorset Council on 5 May 2020 at the online full council cabinet meeting. More information is available on the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan page.
Following the successful examination Dorset Council has agreed the Portland Neighbourhood Plan, as amended can proceed to referendum. More information is available on our Portland Neighbourhood Plan page.
The Wimborne Minster Parish area has been designated as a neighbourhood plan area. The Neighbourhood Plan group can now begin work on their plan.
At the request of Marnhull Parish Council a neighbourhood area coinciding with the boundaries of the Marnhull parish area has been designated by Dorset Council.
When adopted, neighbourhood plans become part of the development plan for the area. See the adopted local plans. This means they will sit alongside the Local Plan and be considered in deciding whether or not planning permission should be given. Plans that will be adopted after the adoption of the Dorset Council Local Plan will become part of this plan.
We have also mapped out all the neighbourhood plans across the Dorset Council area at various stages which includes: