The community could have a Neighbourhood Plan if residents give it the go ahead.
Following the successful examination of the Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan, Dorset Council has agreed that the plan, as amended, can to go to referendum. Residents must be registered to vote by 25 January 2022 to vote in this referendum.
A local referendum will take place in Charmouth on Thursday 10 February 2022, with local residents going to the polls to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to the proposals.
The plan was drawn up by local people and agreed by their Parish Council who felt confident that the plan reflect the hopes and views of their local communities.
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 plan is supported by the local referendum it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:
“A tremendous amount of work has gone into shaping this plan and I thank everyone who has been involved with the project so far.
“Residents now have the opportunity to shape their community through the Neighbourhood Plan, as modified by the independent examiner.
“Anyone who wishes to vote, needs to ensure they are on the electoral register.”
View the plans
The Charmouth neighbourhood plan can be viewed online with hard copies of the supporting material on display in Dorchester and Charmouth Libraries.
How to vote
The Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan referendum will be held on 10 February 2022. You have to be registered to vote by 25 January 2022 to vote in these referendums.
The polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 10 February 2022.
How to vote – post or proxy
To vote by post or proxy in these referendums, you will need to have filled in an application form and sent it to Electoral Registration.
Postal and proxy vote application forms are available online or by contacting the Electoral Services team by emailing elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or calling 0135 838299
Applications to vote by post in the Charmouth referendum must be received by 5pm on 26 January 2022.
To vote by proxy, application forms should be received by 5pm on Wednesday 2 February 2022.
Questions can be emailed to: neighbourhoodplanning@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Alternatively, they can be posted to: Spatial Planning, County Hall, Colliton Park Dorchester DT1 1XJ.
