Neighbourhood Plan Examination
An independent examiner Andrew Mead BSc (Hons) MRTPI MIQ was appointed to examine the Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan.
The examiner wrote to Dorset Council and Knowlton Parish Council on 3 February 2025 to clarify several initial procedural matters and ask a number of questions.
As part of his examination of the plan, the examiner has to consider whether the plan meets certain basic conditions and satisfies legal requirements.
The basic conditions are set out in the legislation, and are intended to ensure that neighbourhood plans fit within their wider context. The plan must:
- have regard to national planning policies and guidance
- contribute to achieving sustainable development
- be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan i.e. the West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan 2015
- be compatible with European Union law and human rights obligations
- not breach the requirements of Chapter 8 of Part 6 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
The examiner will provide a review of the plan and make recommendations in accordance with the 2011 Localism Act and related regulations.
If the neighbourhood plan is supported by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.
Representations received to the submitted Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan
As the local planning authority, Dorset Council was required to consult on the plan review before the examination took place. This consultation took place for eight weeks from Monday 2 December 2024 until Monday 27 January 2025 (midnight). The responses received during this period are below.
| Document Reference | Response |
| KNP01 | Avison Young on behalf of National Gas |
| KNP02 | Avison Young on behalf of National Grid |
| KNP03 | Dorset Council |
| KNP04 | Dorset Ramblers |
| KNP05 | Fiona Ellwood |
| KNP06 | Historic England |
| KNP07 | National Highways |
| KNP08 | Natural England |
| KNP09 | Nexus on behalf of Woodsford Farms |
| KNP10 | Office for Nuclear Regulation |
| KNP11 | Stinsford Parish Council |
| KNP12 | Will Ellwood |
Consultation on the Submitted Plan
The Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan (the parishes of Tincleton, West Knighton, West Stafford and Woodsford) has been submitted for examination.
As the local planning authority, the council is required to consult on the plan proposals before the examination takes place. The consultation process ran from Monday 2 December 2024 until Monday 27 January 2025 (midnight). This was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to raise concerns they had about the plan with regard to the content and how it had been prepared. An independent examiner has been appointed and any concerns will be passed on to them for consideration as part of the examination process.
The Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan is available to read together with the supporting documents which are as follows:
- Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan 2023-2033
- Consultation Statement, October 2024
- Basic Conditions Statement, October 2024
- SEA Environmental Report, November 2024
- Habitats Regulation Assessment Report, February 2024
Supporting evidence
- Appeal Decision - Ref: APP/D1265/W/23/3317274 - Land to East of Wynd Close, West Stafford
- Building Stones of England: Dorset, Historic England, May 2023
- Dorset Council Landscape Character Assessment
- Dorset Council Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, February 2023
- Dorset Council Street Lighting and Illuminated Signs Policy
- Dorset Historic Environment Record
- England’s Light Pollution and Dark Skies map
- Knightsford Area-wide design guidance and codes, AECOM, April 2023
- Knightsford Group Neighbourhood Plan: Site Options and Assessment, AECOM, September 2023
- Knightsford Parish Housing Needs Assessment (HNA), AECOM, October 2022
- ONS Census Profile
- Osmington, West Knighton, West Stafford & Owermoigne Conservation Area Appraisal, West Dorset District Council, January 2007
- Residential Car Parking Provision – Local Guidance for Dorset, May 2011
- The Parish of West Stafford – Village Design Statement, West Dorset District Council, December 2002
- West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan, October 2015
A hard copy of the Neighbourhood Plan will be available for public inspection at the Dorset Council offices at County Hall, Dorchester during usual opening hours.