Two local communities are just one step away from having approved neighbourhood plans for their area.
Final versions of the Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan and Milborne St Andrew Neighbourhood Plan were submitted to Dorset Council for examination and referendums were held. Residents voted on whether to accept or reject the plans on 8 August 2019. In both areas, residents voted to accept the plans.
75 per cent of votes were cast in favour of the Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan. 90 per cent of votes were cast in favour of the Milborne St Andrew 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?
Both neighbourhood plans will now be taken to Dorset Council Cabinet, where councillors will decide whether to formally adopt them. If 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 communities are coming together to influence future development in their 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 these plans to members and am confident of positive outcomes.”
