Adopted Local Plans guide new development and determine planning applications.

We are working on a new Dorset Council Local Plan to be adopted in May 2027. The adopted local plans for the former council areas are in place until the new local plan is adopted. 

Reviews of the existing local plans have stopped except for the Purbeck Local Plan which was adopted on 18 July 2024.

For a quick guide to adopted local plans in Dorset, including information on 5 year housing land supply, visit the Dorset Council planning policy monitoring page.
 

Find the Adopted Local Plan that applies in your area

Planning Policy

Name: Planning policy team
Name: Dorchester office
Email: planningpolicy@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 838334
Full contact details