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.
The deadline for school places is fast approaching!
Parents and carers whose children will be starting secondary or upper school next September have just a few days left to apply for a place at their chosen school.
Update on Dorset’s SENDIAS service
Dorset Council is looking to improve and strengthen the special educational needs and disability information, advice and support service, SENDIASS. This is a free, confidential and impartial service for children and young people aged 0 to 25 years who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their parents and carers. In October 2020, Dorset Council’s Cabinet, made up of local councillors, approved plans to find an external provider… Read more Update on Dorset’s SENDIAS service
Have your say on proposals to expand special school in eastern Dorset
Dorset residents are being asked to give their comments on plans to enable 80 extra places at Beaucroft Foundation School.
Apply now for secondary school places in 2022
Is your child due to start Secondary or Upper school next September? You need to apply by 31 October 2021 for the best chance of getting a place at their preferred school. This applies to all children moving from primary to secondary school, or middle to upper school in September 2022.
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
A bigger, better eBook and eAudioBook collection with BorrowBox
From Monday 16 August customers of Dorset Libraries will be able to borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks for free, via the bigger and better BorrowBox service.
The Summer Reading Challenge 2021 is here!
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is off to a flying start with over 1,000 children in Dorset signing up in the last 3 weeks.
New film to help you enjoy dog walks safely in the countryside this summer
Walking is great for our mental and physical health, and it is even more enjoyable when we have our four-legged friends with us. Thanks to a new film produced in collaboration with dog behaviourist Natalie Light, discover some top tips on how you and your dog can enjoy the great British countryside safely this summer.
Beaminster Library to reopen
From 26 July Beaminster Library will begin to reopen and welcome back customers. Customers will be able to browse books and items to borrow and access a range of services, including use of computers and printing. From Monday, the opening times will be: Monday, 2.30pm to 6.30pm Thursday, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5pm… Read more Beaminster Library to reopen
New multi-agency campaign aims to SCRAP fly-tipping
A new partnership that brings together key enforcement authorities, representative bodies and conservation groups is leading operations to tackle fly-tipping and waste crime in Dorset with the launch of the SCRAP fly-tipping campaign.
Town and Parish Councils will get developer contributions
Dorset Council has agreed a protocol that will allow Section 106 funds from developers to be transferred to town and parish councils and community groups to spend on agreed community facilities.
The next steps for the Dorset Council Local Plan
The consultation of the Dorset Council Local Plan has been scrutinised by a working group of elected councillors that is making sure that the project keeps to its objectives.
Cultural strategy approved
Dorset Council’s Cabinet has agreed to adopt Dorset’s Cultural Strategy 2021 to 2026, which was discussed at this week’s Cabinet meeting (Tuesday 18 May).
New school and centre of excellence will improve lives and save money
A new school with fantastic facilities will improve the lives of Dorset children with SEND and reduce future costs, after ambitious plans were today (29/4) given the go-ahead.
Residents have chance to shape their community
Residents of Wimborne St Giles have the opportunity to shape their community through the development of a Neighbourhood Plan.
Holwell Neighbourhood Plan
A review of the Holwell Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to the council for examination. The plan has been reviewed by local people, and agreed by the parish council, who feel confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community.
The Roman Town House open to visitors this Easter
Dorset Council and its partners are pleased to be welcoming visitors back this Easter to the Roman Town House in Dorchester. The project has been made possible by money raised by National Lottery players and has received £248,000 grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project focuses on delivering a range of improvements… Read more The Roman Town House open to visitors this Easter
Just one week left to give your views on the Dorset Council Local Plan
The consultation on Dorset Council Local Plan ends on 15 March. The plan, once adopted, will guide decisions on planning applications in Dorset until 2038.
How you can have your say on the future of Dorset
The consultation for the Dorset Local Plan is halfway through, but there’s still plenty of time to have your say. The consultation closes on 15 March.
Update on schools, colleges and childcare – 5 January
Update 5 January:
Update on schools, colleges and childcare – 4 January
Update 4 January:
Community a step closer to agreeing neighbourhood plan
A local community has taken a significant step closer to having greater influence over planning decisions in their area. A final version of the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to the council for examination. The plan has been drawn up by local people, and agreed by the town council, who feel confident that the… Read more Community a step closer to agreeing neighbourhood plan
Dorset Council appoints Theresa Leavy as permanent lead for children’s services
Theresa Leavy has been appointed as the Executive Director of People – Children at Dorset Council.
Have your say on Dorset Council’s Local plan
A consultation on the draft Dorset Council Local Plan will start on 18 January 2021. Once adopted, the Local Plan will guide decisions on planning applications in Dorset for the next 15 years. The draft Dorset Council Local Plan will be discussed at next week’s Cabinet meeting. View the papers and the Dorset Council Local… Read more Have your say on Dorset Council’s Local plan
Coronavirus guidance for parents and carers
Thank you to parents and carers for following the coronavirus guidelines that are in place to keep you, your child, your family and your school community safe. Here is an important reminder of the rules.
Libraries and TICs continue key services throughout lockdown
In line with Government regulations, Dorset Council’s libraries and Tourist Information Centres (TICs) across the county have now closed until Wednesday 2 December.
School transport update
Dorset Council is working hard on planning how to get nearly 8000 pupils back to school when term starts in September.
Have your say on the Chickerell Neighbourhood Plan
Local residents are invited to have their say on a plan reflecting the community’s vision for Chickerell.
Planning system overhaul
The government has published two consultation papers this week setting out major changes in planning. One sets out proposals for a completely new national planning system. The other proposes shorter-term amendments to the current system, which would take effect more quickly.
