If we don’t contribute now we will not get another chance until at least 2038.
The assemblies are open to everyone. They will give people an opportunity to explore the issues around the proposed local plan, express their concerns, things they like and want to support, ideas for improvement and things that are perhaps missing from the draft plan.
It’s important that as many as possible respond to the consultation, it’s a complex issue and filling in the consultation on the council’s website is very daunting. The assemblies will explain this a bit more and how anyone can send a response if they want to.
For more information contact: [email protected] or on 07771847333
Dorset Council was formed in May 2019 from five district local authorities. Each of those district authorities had what is called a ‘Local Plan’. Dorset Council has now brought these together to create one Local Plan for the whole of the Dorset Council area.
The new Local Plan is now out for public consultation which ends on 15 March 2021.
The Plan will last at least until 2038, so will shape all development for the next 17 years – that’s a long time. And anything built in that time will leave a legacy lasting for several generations.
We cannot afford to get it wrong.
So what exactly is a Local Plan, why do we have to have one and what does it cover?
It is a legal requirement that local authorities have a plan. Before the plan can be implemented it has to be ‘approved’ by the Planning Inspectorate. The process is very complex and very long. The timetable for this one being agreed will not be until spring 2023.
A council’s planning policies are set out in Local Plans which are the legal starting point in agreeing, or refusing, any planning applications.
The Local Plan outlines the strategy for meeting the needs of the area such as housing, employment, community services and facilities including schools, shops, retail and leisure
Dorset Council say: “The plan directs development to the most suitable locations near to existing facilities, and detailed policies promote high quality development that respects and enhances the character of each local area. The plan also protects Dorset’s natural environment and contributes towards the mitigation and adaptation to climate change”.
But where do you think things like new housing should be built? How many homes do we need? Is it the right housing e.g. how it’s built, materials used, rental or ownership, affordable, social, etc? How do we ensure we have jobs in the areas close to where we live? What sort of industry and jobs suit our areas? How will people travel in their community and between communities and towns? Will new buildings, homes and businesses meet the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions? Which areas should we protect as our natural environment, which should we re-wild or use for tree-planting?
We encourage everyone to take a look at the draft plan documentation and to put in their own consultation submission. Here’s the link:
Dorset Action website: https://dtaction.co.uk/local-plan/
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