Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan (Version 2)
Following the withdrawal of the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan 2015-2031 work is progressing on producing a new neighbourhood plan. This work is being led by Blandford + which comprises of Blandford Forum Town Council, Blandford St Mary Parish Council and Bryanston Parish Council.
Consultation on new plan
Blandford + (comprising Blandford Forum Town Council, Blandford St Mary Parish Council and Bryanston Parish Council) is currently holding a consultation regarding the new plan. Further information regarding the consultation and the new plan can be found via the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan website.
Withdrawal of Plan
Blandford Forum Town Council has written to the District Council regarding the withdrawal of the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan 2015 -2031. The Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan Group will work with the District Council on producing a new version of the plan.
Examination
The Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan 2015-2031 was examined by an independent examiner, Deborah McCann BSc MRICS MRTPI DipArchCon Dip LD. In accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and related regulations, the examiner considered in particular whether the plan meets certain basic conditions, satisfies legal requirements, and identifies an appropriate area for a referendum.
The basic conditions, which are set out in the legislation, are intended to ensure that neighbourhood plans are compatible with their wider context. The plan must:
have regard to national planning policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State
contribute to achieving sustainable development
be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan for the area and
be compatible with EU obligations and human rights requirements
Examiner's Report
The Examiner's Report concludes that provided the recommendations in her report are followed the plan would meet the basic conditions. She therefore considers that the plan, as modified, can proceed to a referendum.
Hearing and post-hearing
In accordance with Paragraph 9 of Schedule 4B to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) the independent examiner, Deborah McCann BSc MRICS MRTPI DipArchCon Dip LD, decided that a hearing is required for the purpose of receiving oral representations.
The hearing took place on the 10 April 2017. Notes were taken at the hearing.
Following the hearing the examiner sent an email to North Dorset District Council (NDDC) on 13 April 2017. Further submissions by Blandford+, Revised Sustainability Appraisal Report and Addendum to Local Green Space Report, were sent to the examiner on the 9 May 2017. The examiner allowed interested parties to comment on these documents and set a deadline of 19 May 2017 for comments to be received.
The following comments were received and duly forwarded to the examiner.
The examiner arranged an accompanied site visit on Thursday 1 June 2017 to assist her consideration of the Local Green Space proposals of the submitted plan. The examiner was accompanied by representatives of the Council, Blandford+ and the landowner. Following the site visit, the examiner issued a set of questions to the neighbourhood planning group on 2 June 2017. Furthermore, she sent a clarification emailin relation to question 3 on 7 June 2017.
The neighbourhood planning group responded to questions 1 and 2 on 9 June 2017. Additionally, the group responded to question 3 on 16 June 2017. The group responded by providing a covering letter to the examiner and a statement from Dorset County Council.
The examiner allowed interested parties to comment on the neighbourhood plan group's responses to her questions.
The deadline for parties to provide any comments that they had was 23 June 2017. The following comments were received and duly forwarded to the examiner.
Consultation on the submitted plan
As the local planning authority, the District Council is required to consult on the plan proposals before the examination takes place. The public and other interested parties were given seven weeks from Friday 12 August to Friday 30 September 2016 to make representations on the plan with regard to its content and how it has been prepared. An independent examiner will be appointed and any representations will be passed to him for consideration as part of the examination process.
Submission documents can be found below. A paper of the plan is available to view at the District Council Offices, Nordon, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7LL (8.45am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4pm on Friday).
Representations received
Representations which were received by the closing date of Friday 30 September 2016 are:
Submission documents