Two local communities are just one step away from having approved neighbourhood plans for their area.
Final versions of the Charmouth and Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca plans were submitted to Dorset Council for examination and referendums were held. Residents voted on whether to accept or reject the plans on 10 and 22 February 2022.
In all areas, residents voted to accept the plans.
90.9 per cent of votes were cast in favour of the Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan.
96.4 per cent of votes were cast in favour of the Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca Neighbourhood Plan.
Both plans were 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?
Neighbourhood plans are then taken to Dorset Council Cabinet, where councillors will decide whether to formally adopt them. Charmouth neighbourhood plan was formally adopted this week.
When they are formally adopted, the neighbourhood plans 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.”
View the full result of the Charmouth referendum
View the Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan online
View the full result of the Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca referendum
View the Yetminster & Ryme Intrinseca Plan online
