A local community has taken a significant step closer to having greater influence over planning decisions in their area.
A final version of the Stinsford Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to the council for examination.
The plan has been drawn up by local people, and agreed by the parish council, who feel confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community.
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, the plan can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected.
If the neighbourhood plan is approved following examination, and supported by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.
Dorset Council is required to consult on the plan proposals before the examination can take place.
People who live, work or run a business in the Stinsford neighbourhood area have until the end of Wednesday 24 November 2021, to raise any concerns they may have about the plan. These concerns will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider.
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:
“It takes a tremendous amount of work in order to pull together a Neighbourhood Plan. I congratulate all involved in getting to this stage.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Stinsford, to view the plans and submit any feedback they may have.”
The plan can be viewed online at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/stinsford-neighbourhood-plan A hard copy of the Neighbourhood Plan will also be available for public inspection at Dorchester Library during its usual opening hours.
Comments on the plan can be emailed to NeighbourhoodPlanning@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or by post to Spatial Planning, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, DT1 1XJ
Anyone commenting on the plan should let the council know if they wish to be kept informed of the progress of the Stinsford Neighbourhood Plan.
