Dorset Council has approved a request from Weymouth Town Council for the designation of a Neighbourhood Area, which is the first formal stage of preparing a plan.
A Neighbourhood Plan aims to give residents more control over planning policy in their local area, and where land is earmarked for new homes, shops and offices in their town or village.
The first step is to designate the neighbourhood area. The next is to set up a steering group with local community groups and businesses to work on the plan. Once the plan is written, it will be consulted on locally and submitted to Dorset Council for independent examination. It will also be subject to a local referendum to make sure it has the support of local people.
Within the town council boundary, Sutton Poyntz Neighbourhood Plan has been made. The new Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan will ensure that the Sutton Poyntz Plan is respected and included within the new developing plan. Weymouth Town Council and Dorset Council are calling for volunteers to help with the formation of the Neighbourhood Plan.
Those interested in helping with the preparation of the plan can contact the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group by email neighbourhood@weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr David Walsh, Planning Portfolio Holder, Dorset Council said:
“This is a great chance for people who have an interest in Weymouth to set out future development in the area. I encourage anyone interested in this opportunity to contact the town council to find out more.”
Cllr Lucy Hamilton, Chair, Planning and Licensing Committee, Weymouth Town Council said:
“Residents and businesses can work together to have a positive say in the future of our town. This is about all the communities across the Weymouth area and we look forward to hearing from you.”
More information on Neighbourhood Plans can be found at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Any parish council or parish meeting that is interested in forming a neighbourhood plan should contact planningpolicy@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for more information.
neighbourhood plan – would be good to have maps you can actually read