Broadwindsor and Milborne St Andrew could each have a Neighbourhood Plan if residents give it the go ahead.
Councillors agreed at Dorset Council Cabinet on 25 June 2019 to go ahead with referendums on the Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan and Milborne St Andrew Neighbourhood Plan.
Both referendums will take place on Thursday 8 August 2019, with residents going to the polls to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the proposals.
The plans were drawn up by local people, and agreed by the group parish council for each area, who felt 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 and 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 plans are supported by the local referendums, they will be used to make decisions on planning applications.
Cllr David Walsh, Planning Portfolio Holder for Dorset Council, said:
“I am very pleased that members of both local communities have produced these Neighbourhood Plan for residents to vote on.
“To get this far involves a great deal of effort which seems to be recognised in the Examiner’s findings.”
View the plans
The Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed online as well as at Beaminster Town Council offices. Broadwindsor Group Parish Council also intends to ensure copies of these documents are available locally.
The Milborne St Andrew Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed online as well as at Dorset Council’s Nordon Lodge office at 58 Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum.
Both plans can also be viewed at South Walks House in Dorchester.
Referendums
The referendums will be held on 8 August 2019. Residents will have to be registered to vote by Tuesday, 23 July 2019 to vote in the referendum. To check if you are registered to vote call 01305 838299.
Where to vote in Broadwindsor
Broadwindsor, Burstock and Seaborough residents can vote in person at Drimpton Village Hall, Blackdown Village Hall and Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor. The polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 8 August 2019.
Where to vote in Milborne St Andrew
Milborne St Andrew residents can vote in person at Milborne St Andrew Village Hall. The polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 8 August 2019.
Voting by post or proxy
To vote by post or proxy in either referendum, residents will need to have filled in an application form and sent it to the Electoral Registration Officer. Postal and proxy vote application forms are available online or by contacting the council.
Applications to vote by post must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, 24 July 2019. To vote by proxy, application forms should be received by 5pm on Wednesday 31 July 2019.
