Knightsford community a step closer to agreeing neighbourhood plan

A local community has taken a significant step closer to having greater influence over planning decisions in their area.

A final version of the Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan (the parishes of Tincleton, West Knighton, West Stafford and Woodsford) has been submitted to the council for examination.

The plan has been drawn up by local people, and agreed by the group 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 in consultation with the National Planning Policy Framework and the adopted Local Plan.

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 Knightsford neighbourhood area have until the end of Monday 27 January 2025, to raise any concerns they may have about the plan. These concerns will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider.

Cllr Shane Bartlett, 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.

“Neighbourhood plans give local communities a real say in how their area should change over time. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Knightsford, to view the plans and submit any feedback they may have.”

The plan can be viewed online. A hard copy of the Neighbourhood Plan will also be available for public inspection at St Andrews Church in West Stafford between 9am-5pm, and the Dorset Council offices during usual opening hours.

Comments on the plan can be submitted through our online form, by email, 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 Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan.