The council devises plans that help shape society, the economy and the environment over a 15-year period. We are currently working on the Dorset Council Local Plan which we aim to consult on in early 2021 and adopt in 2023.
The plan aims to:
• protect and enhance Dorset’s unique natural environment and biodiversity
• deliver suitable housing, including affordable housing, to meet the needs of Dorset
• work to give residents a good quality of life with high quality, well designed developments with cycle ways and access to the countryside
What the plan cannot do
• provide unlimited improvements to public transport. We identify improvements needed but they require funding, and development does not generally generate enough funds to make significant improvements
• prevent development – councils are expected to follow the Government’s standard method for assessing local housing need. This uses a formula to identify the minimum number of homes expected to be planned for.
The recent Housing White Paper, called ‘Planning for the future’, is considering changes to the planning system. This may change the way local plans are developed.
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