Melbury Abbas and Cann parish council has prepared a draft neighbourhood plan. Before the plan can be adopted, it must undergo an independent examination and a referendum.
The submitted neighbourhood plan is:
It is supported by the following documents:
The plan is also accompanied by the following evidence base documents:
- Melbury Abbas & Cann - Design Guide
- Melbury Abbas and Cann - Housing Needs Assessment
- Melbury Abbas and Cann - Site Assessment Report
- Site Assessment Report - Appendix A - Site Appraisal Pro-forma
- Environment, Landscape Character and Vistas Topic Paper
- Heritage Topic Guide
- Transport Topic Paper
A regulation 16 consultation took place between 11 April and 30 May 2025. Representations received during the consultation period have been compiled into the following report:
Plan Examination
In June 2025, the above documents and representations were sent to an Independent Examiner, Andrew Mead BSc (Hons) MRTPI MIQ. The Examiner considers whether the plan meets certain basic conditions, satisfies legal requirements, and will identify an appropriate area for a referendum.
It is unlikely that the examination will involve a hearing, but this will be determined by the examiner. Updates regarding the examination process will be published on this page. The examiner’s report will be published on this page at the end of the process.
On 2 July 2025 the examiner wrote to Dorset Council and the parish council in order to clarify several initial procedural matters. The letter also includes 13 questions in order to seek further clarification and information from both councils.
- Letter from examiner (2 July 2025)
- Response to Examiner from Dorset Council (17 July 2025)
Response to Examiner from Melbury Abbas and Cann Dorset Council (17 July 2025)
The examiner has also agreed to accept a late representation regarding Southbank Farm.