Local community backs neighbourhood plan

The Wareham community is just one step away from having an approved neighbourhood plan for its area.

The final version of the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan was submitted to Dorset Council for examination and the referendum has been held. Residents voted on whether to accept or reject the plan on 30 September 2021. Residents voted to accept the plan with a large majority (91%) in favour of it.

The plan was drawn up by local people with support from Dorset Council’s Planning Policy Team.

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, a neighbourhood plan can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected.

What happens next?

The neighbourhood plan will now be taken to Dorset Council’s Cabinet on 2 November 2021, where councillors will decide whether to formally make (adopt) it.

If formally made, the neighbourhood plan will be used to inform decisions on planning applications in the area.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:

“I am pleased that the community has come together to influence future development in its area. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to bring a neighbourhood plan forward and have it supported at a referendum. I look forward to presenting this plan to members and am confident of a positive outcome.”

The full result of the referendum and the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan can both be found online.