Dorset Council has published the first responses to its Options Consultation for its new Local Plan.

It is releasing comments in stages because of the ‘very large number of responses’ to the consultation held from August to October last year.

The first phase consists of responses from:

🟠 National organisations and local authorities
🔴 Local organisations and community groups
🟢 Town and parish councils

There are various issues raised, as to be expected, including flood risk and future health service provision as well as requests for the withdrawal of certain sites.

They also include comments from BCP Council about the ‘duty to co-operate’ between local authorities, which concludes:

“We remain committed to continuing our strategic cooperation through the duty to cooperate process and the preparation of a shared evidence-base. Now the consultation materials have been released further discussions are required, particularly around the reasonable alternatives and to ensure an integrated approach to planning and transport around strategic developments and commuting patterns.”

According to its Local Development Scheme, Dorset Council intends to adopt its Local Plan by the end of 2027.

The next phase of responses to be published in the coming months will be from:

🟠 Planning agents and developers
🔴 Businesses
🟢 Residents and members of the public

The council is also gathering more evidence and factual information, including housing, traveller and employment needs assessments as well as holding a green belt review.

We have been making representations on behalf of our clients and in the interests of the planning community throughout the Local Plan making process.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how the responses and Local Plan making process may affect your plan, project or site.