Cabinet to consider changes in timescales for Local Plan
Dorset Council’s Cabinet will consider a report next week that sets out a revised timeline to produce the new Dorset Council Local Plan.
Dairy farm fined £52,000 for causing unnecessary suffering to cows
A West Dorset dairy farm has pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a cow and a calf by failing to care for them, along with a series of other offences relating to conditions on their farm.
Final phase of work to begin on new sustainable travel route in Ferndown
The new walking and cycling paths and sustainable travel improvements on Wimborne Road in Ferndown are making good progress, with the final construction phase (from Cobham Road to West Moors Road) due to begin in October 2022.
Barn owl numbers double on council farms since boxes put up
Dorset Council has recorded its highest number of barn owl chicks yet in its annual monitoring of barn owl boxes at council farms in Dorset.
Dorset Council starts work to expand electric vehicle charging network in Dorset
Dorset Council’s plans to increase the number of public charge points for electric vehicles (EVs) in Dorset are now underway, with the first new charging unit installed in Sherborne this month. This expansion to the existing charging network will see a combination of fast (22kW), rapid (50kW) and ultra-fast (150kW) charging units installed across Dorset;… Read more Dorset Council starts work to expand electric vehicle charging network in Dorset
Festival to showcase Dorset’s innovation and 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 for the third year running and it will be a hybrid event where people can attend in person or take part virtually. Held from 10-14 October, #FutureFest22 will… Read more Festival to showcase Dorset’s innovation and digital future
Dorset Council secures funding to improve electric vehicle infrastructure in rural areas
Dorset has been announced as one of just nine areas in England to receive funding from a new government scheme which aims to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
Weymouth man successfully prosecuted by Dorset Council for fly-tipping
On Tuesday 2 August 2022 at Poole Magistrates Court, Richard Dunn (42, of Weymouth) pleaded guilty to illegally dumping stones and gravel on a verge at the side of an unnamed road at Woodsford, Dorchester back in April last year.
Dorset Council Bus Improvements Survey
In March 2021, the Government launched Bus Back Better, a new National Bus Strategy for England with the key aims of making buses: More attractive for passengers More affordable Easier to understand and use Faster and more reliable Greener The Council had submitted a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and bid for funding which aims… Read more Dorset Council Bus Improvements Survey
Beryl bikeshare boost for Dorset, just in time for Cycle to Work Day
The UK’s leading micromobility provider, Beryl, and Dorset Council are offering thousands more people the chance to take up two wheeled travel from today (1 August), a few days ahead of the UK’s biggest cycling commuting event.
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.
Dorset Council country parks awarded coveted Green Flag Awards
In a record-breaking year, Dorset Council is raising its prestigious Green Flag Awards at five of its country parks, which have been officially recognised as some of the country’s best.
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.
Dorset is a no-go area for BBQs and campfires as new fines come into force
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPOs) comes into force on 1 July that prevents people lighting fires, including BBQs, fireworks, lanterns, and campfires, in many public areas across Dorset.
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.
Rules are changing for home renovations
If you are planning a new build, an extension or conversion of your home, then the changes to the building regulations are important.
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).
New Public Spaces Protection Orders tackle anti-social behaviour
Dorset Councillors have approved eight new Public Spaces Protection Orders for 2022. The new orders will replace the existing orders for West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland.
Poisoned trees: Appeal for information
Dorset Council has noticed an increase in damage being caused to its trees by some people across the county, including in Weymouth, Corfe Mullen, Alderholt and Sturminster Marshall.
Harbour dredging works to begin at Lyme Regis and West Bay
Annual dredging works are set to take place in West Bay and Lyme Regis during May and June 2022.
Urgent seawall works to start at Chesil Cove in May
Dorset Council will be working with local partners and contractors on the urgent placement of rock protection around the southernmost point of the Chesil Cove Seawall at Chiswell in Portland during May 2022.
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.
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.
Weymouth resident prosecuted for disposing of commercial waste at recycling centre
Dorset Council’s Waste Enforcement and Legal teams scored another victory in court this week, as a rogue trader was prosecuted for transporting and disposing of commercial waste at a Household Recycling Centre (HRC, or “the tip”), as well as failing to provide correct paperwork.
Dorset Council hands new set of allotments over to Weymouth Town Council
Councillors, officers, and keen gardeners are celebrating as Dorset Council can finally hand over a new set of seven allotments to a local community in Weymouth.
