Neighbourhood Planning is about giving local people a say over the future growth of their area.

They can say what new homes will look like and where they will be built, where employment should be located, what community facilities should be protected or what others are needed as well as protecting green spaces and the environment.

Supporting information

For further information see the following links:

Neighbourhood planning news

The Alderholt Neighbourhood Plan was ‘made’ by Dorset Council on 17 December 2024. For more details, see our Alderholt Neighbourhood Plan webpage.

A report relating to the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan Minor (Non-Material) Modifications Review, was considered by members of Dorset Council’s Cabinet on the 17 December 2024. Cabinet decided that the minor (non-material) modifications should be made to the plan. For more details, see our Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan webpage.

The examiner’s final report on the Wool Parish Neighbourhood Plan has been received. To view the plan and the examiner’s report, see our Wool Neighbourhood Plan webpage. 

The examiner’s final report on the Fontmell Magna Neighbourhood Plan – First Review has been received. To view the plan and the examiner’s report, see our Fontmell Magna Neighbourhood Plan webpage.

Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan (the parishes of Tincleton, West Knighton, West Stafford and Woodsford) has been submitted for examination. If you wish to comment, please contact us by Monday 27 January 2025. More information is available on our Knightsford Neighbourhood Plan webpage. 

The independent examiner's report on the Wimborne St Giles Neighbourhood Plan examination has been received. More information is available on our Wimborne St Giles Neighbourhood Plan webpage. 

How neighbourhood plans related to adopted local plans in Dorset Council

When adopted, neighbourhood plans become part of the development plan for the area. See the adopted local plans. This means they will sit alongside the Local Plan and be considered in deciding whether or not planning permission should be given. Plans that will be adopted after the adoption of the Dorset Council Local Plan will become part of this plan.

Please see the maps below showing the designated neighbourhood areas and the neighbourhood plans in the Dorset Council area:

Planning Policy

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