The residents of Tincleton, West Knighton, West Stafford and Woodsford will be able say whether or not they support a neighbourhood plan for their parish.
Following an independent examination Dorset Council has agreed the plan, as modified, can go to referendum.
The referendum will take place on Thursday 24 July and residents must be registered to vote by 8 July 2025 to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to the proposals.
Work on the Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan (covering Tincleton, West Knighton, West Stafford and Woodsford) commenced in March 2021. The plan was drawn up by local people and agreed by the parish council who felt confident it reflects the hopes and views of its local community.
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 plan can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected.
If the plan is supported by a local referendum, it will be used to inform decisions on planning applications across Knightsford parish in consultation with the National Planning Policy Framework and the adopted Local Plan.
Cllr Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning, said:
“A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in the formation of this plan. It is the culmination of dedicated work by the parish council, local groups and the people of the parish of Knightsford.
“While Neighbourhood plans have to align with the Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework Document, they are an important part of the planning process.
“Neighbourhood plans reflect a community’s vision for the future of their parish and provide parish residents with a voice in the planning process. Please do take the time to take part in this final stage.
“Residents will need to ensure they are on the electoral roll if they intend to vote in this referendum.”
How to view the plan
The Knightsford neighbourhood plan can be viewed online with printed copies of the supporting material on display in the Dorset Council offices, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ and Crossways Library.
See the draft neighbourhood plan.
How to vote
The Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan referendum will be held on Thursday 24 July 2025. Voters must be registered to vote by 8 July 2025 to take part the referendum.
Voting will take place like a local election, with all those registered to vote receiving a polling card. Postal and proxy voting options are also available to those who are registered.
The polling station will be open from 7am to 10pm on 24 July 2025.
You now need photo ID to vote at a polling station. If you don’t have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Applications for Voter Authority Certificates must be received by 5.00 pm on Wednesday 16 July 2025.
Postal and proxy voting
To vote by post or proxy in this referendum, you will need to have filled in and returned an application form.
Postal and proxy vote application forms are available online or by emailing the Electoral Services team or calling 01305 838299.
Applications to vote by post must be received by 5pm on 9 July 2025. To vote by proxy, application forms should be received by 5pm on Wednesday 16 July 2025.
Questions can be emailed to: neighbourhoodplanning@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Alternatively, they can be posted to: Spatial Planning, County Hall, Colliton Park Dorchester DT1 1XJ.
