A public examination of a plan for the former Purbeck District area takes place this summer.
As part of the Purbeck Local Plan examination, hearing sessions will be held in July and August in Wareham.
The sessions are open to the public and are an important part in the preparation of the plan which will help shape future development in the area. The sessions will take place in the Council Chamber, Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham, BH20 4PP.
At the hearing, an independent inspector will probe into issues relating to the plan and its preparation.
The Purbeck Local Plan covers issues such as how to protect the area’s outstanding environment, where housing could be built, restricting second homes, and boosting the economy.
Purbeck District Council carried out consultations on the Purbeck Local Plan in 2015, 2016 and 2018. The council also engaged with town and parish councils, individuals, residents’ groups and planning professionals.
Councillor David Walsh, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Planning said: “The examination of the plan represents a key stage in the process to adopt up-to-date planning policies.
“The hearings offer the opportunity for the inspector to look into issues in more detail.”
Councillor Walsh said: “After the hearings, if the inspector recommends the plan should proceed, it will be presented to Dorset Council for adoption.
“If adopted, the plan will set out a vision and objectives and will be used to approve or refuse planning applications for the Purbeck area.”
Councillor Gary Suttle, Dorset Councillor for Swanage, who was heavily involved in the preparation of the plan, said: “The Purbeck Local Plan has been shaped by consultation and engagement involving local people, businesses, community groups and external partners.
“Extensive and wide-ranging public consultations in 2015, 2016 and 2018 informed the key issues and those places where change and development can best be accommodated. The plan also recognises the area must be protected from inappropriate development”.
Councillor Suttle continued: “I welcome the inspector’s hearings and look forward to the plan progressing to the final stage in the process for adoption by Dorset Council.”
The plan will be replaced by a new local plan for the Dorset Council area in due course. The work undertaken to prepare the Purbeck Local Plan will help inform this.
See full details about the Purbeck Local Plan and the hearings.
