A local community has taken a significant step closer to having greater influence over planning decisions in their area.
A final version of the Portland Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to Dorset Council for examination.
The plan has been drawn up by local people, and approved by the town council, who feel confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community.
What is a neighbourhood plan?
Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act 2011. They aim to give residents more say in the future use of land and buildings in their area. For example the plan can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected.
If the neighbourhood plan is approved following examination, and supported by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.
Dorset Council is required to consult on the plan proposals before the examination can take place.
View the plan
Copies of the plan will be made available at the council offices at Commercial Road, Weymouth and South Walks House, Dorchester.
Reference copies are also available at Portland Town Council Offices, Portland Library and Osprey Leisure Centre.
The plan can be viewed online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and on the Portland Neighbourhood Plan website: portlandplan.org.uk/
Comment on the plan
People who live, work or run a business in the Portland neighbourhood area have until 9 October 2019, to raise any concerns they may have about the plan. These concerns will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider.
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:
“It takes a tremendous amount of work in order to pull together a Neighbourhood Plan. I congratulate all involved in getting to this stage.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Portland, to view the plans and submit any feedback they may have.”
Comments on the plan can be emailed to [email protected].
Alternatively, they can be posted to Spatial Planning, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester DT1 1UZ.
Anyone commenting on the plan should let the council know if they wish to be kept informed of the progress of the Portland Area Neighbourhood Plan.
