Dorset Council Local Plan – Cabinet update
Earlier this year, the Leader of Council, Cllr Spencer Flower, set out his commitment to develop a new Dorset Council Local Plan that meets the needs and aspirations of the people of Dorset.
Don’t scorch our heathlands in these scorching temperatures
The Urban Heaths Partnership (UHP), Litter Free Dorset (LFD) and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) are working together to raise awareness of the risk of wildfires on heathland and forests during the soaring summer temperatures.
New sections of the Dorset Coast Path for walkers to enjoy
Major cliff falls and landslides back in 1995 and 2001 between Lyme Regis and Stonebarrow left walkers being diverted off this now unstable and dangerous route onto a lengthy, unpleasant road diversion via the A3052. Now this stretch has been restored with two new coast path sections.
30mph speed limit reduction proposed for Wimborne Road and Stapehill Road, Ferndown
Dorset Council is proposing a speed limit reduction from 40mph to 30mph along Wimborne Road and Stapehill Road in Ferndown to enhance safety for residents.
Dorset Council secures funding to make improvements to two of Dorset’s National Cycle Network routes
Dorset Council has successfully secured over £900,000 worth of funding to improve sections of two National Cycle Network routes in Dorset this summer.
Solar panels installed at iconic Durlston Castle
Solar panels have been installed on the roof of Durlston Castle in Dorset this month as part of Dorset Council’s continued efforts to reduce carbon emissions across its estate.
Dorset’s largest country park goes green
If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure for a green surprise… Avon Heath Country Park is now home to an array of new solar panels on the roofs of its café, classroom and toilet block.
Council and community cut the ribbon to open newly improved trailway
Residents, officers, and councillors are celebrating as Dorset Council has completed its extensive improvements on the Castleman Trailway in East Dorset.
How well are we addressing the Climate and Ecological Emergency?
A recently published progress report has revealed how well Dorset Council is performing in its efforts to tackle the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE).
Dorset Council installs solar panels to cut carbon emissions and reduce cost of waste services
Newly installed solar panels at two of Dorset Council’s waste depots are already producing over 200,000 kWh of renewable energy each year and providing most of each building’s power needs.
Love Your Verge – protecting wildflowers and wildlife on Dorset’s roadsides
Dorset Council and Litter Free Dorset will once again be encouraging residents and visitors to celebrate Dorset’s roadside verges as havens for biodiversity and wildlife with the ‘Love Your Verge’ campaign.
Business case proposed for important works at the Cobb in Lyme Regis Harbour
In a report to Cabinet on Tuesday 5 April, Dorset Council officers are seeking approval of a business case regarding funding for repair and reinforcement works on the Cobb in Lyme Regis.
Dorset is one of the UK’s top areas for renewable energy generation
Dorset Council is in the top 15% of over 400 local authority areas in the UK for renewable electricity generation.
Council making progress on works to decarbonise public buildings
Work to improve energy efficiency and install low carbon technologies has started at over 60 council owned sites using £19 million of grant funding.
First major section of Transforming Cities Fund programme’s sustainable travel route completes
Work to build new sustainable transport infrastructure on Wimborne Road West and Leigh Road has now completed and the 2.3km stretch of new walking and cycle paths and crossings are open and ready for use.
Work on Sustainable Travel improvements along Wimborne Road, Ferndown to commence in March
Work on new cycle, walking and bus infrastructure improvements on Wimborne Road in Ferndown between Canford Bottom and Trickett’s Cross roundabouts will start next month.
A Local Plan that is right for Dorset – Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council
Local Plans are a key component of the planning system. They shape how land use and places will change and develop in the future.
Lockdowns help Dorset break local waste recycling records
Recently published figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) show that Dorset Council’s recycling rate hit a record high last year.
New progress report shows Dorset Council on its way to becoming carbon neutral
Dorset Council has published its first Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy Progress Report, which focusses on action we have taken towards achieving our carbon emission targets over the past year as well as highlighting some of the work underway to deliver the strategy.
New bike storage supports more people to cycle to school
Pupils and teachers at schools across Dorset are enjoying space for 260 more cycles following the installation of brand new cycle storage facilities.
How Dorset Council is spending £19m to make our buildings greener and cleaner
Dorset Council officers have been working hard with councillors on plans to update and upgrade Council properties using £19 million of grant funding, awarded to help us tackle the Climate and Ecological Emergency.
Dorset Council letter to Government – Help us tackle the Climate Emergency
As COP26 continues, Dorset Council has sent letters to key members of central government calling for further help in tackling the Climate and Ecological Emergency. The following summarises the key points within the correspondence.
Garden community proposal – Council appoints consultants to consider future plans for growth
Work continues on the policies that underpin the Dorset Council Local Plan to ensure that it provides Dorset residents with the accommodation, employment and facilities that they will need over the next 17 years. This includes the need to provide housing for people who cannot afford to buy or rent from the housing market.
Dorset Council Local Plan comments are published
The comments that were received during the first consultation of the Draft Dorset Council Local Plan have been published on the council’s website.
Milestone reached in EV Chargepoint Installation Programme
As part of its commitment to tackle the climate emergency, Dorset Council are pleased to announce the successful completion of their Phase 1 electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint installation programme.
Festival to showcase Dorset’s digital future
A five-day festival will be staged at locations across Dorset next month to showcase the county’s exciting digital future. Dorset Council’s Festival of the Future is back – and this time it’s a truly hybrid event where people can attend in person or take part virtually. Held from 4-8 October, #FutureFest21 will highlight the innovation… Read more Festival to showcase Dorset’s digital future
Recycle Week 2021: Dorset Council is ‘Stepping It Up’ in the fight against Climate Change
Dorset Council is proud to ‘Step It Up’ this week in the biggest and best Recycle Week ever.
Transforming Dorset’s verges into wildlife havens
As part of the ‘Love Your Verge’ campaign, we have published a series of videos to explain our approach to roadside management in Dorset.
Dorset Council begins removal of Westham Bridge Cycle Shelter after receiving local support
Officers in the Highways team at Dorset Council will begin removing the old bike shelter on Westham Bridge in Weymouth after a recent survey showed overwhelming support for relocating the facilities.
New funding for climate, nature and people in the nation’s special landscapes
Farmers and land managers in England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) will be given grants to make improvements to the natural environment, cultural heritage and public access.
