Following a 'yes' vote in the referendum on 11 January 2018, North Dorset District Council officially 'made' the Bourton Neighbourhood Plan on 26 January 2018.

As the majority of Bourton residents who voted in the referendum were in favour of the District Council using the neighbourhood plan to help make planning decisions in the Bourton parish area, North Dorset District Council has taken the decision at Full Council to make the Bourton Neighbourhood Plan part of the development plan for the Bourton neighbourhood area.

The Bourton Neighbourhood Plan and the Decision Statement (Making) are available to view online and can also be inspected at the North Dorset District Council Offices, Nordon, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7LL (8.45am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4pm on Friday).

Referendum

Following the successful examination of the Bourton Neighbourhood Plan, North Dorset District Council agreed to enable the plan, as amended, to proceed to referendum. The referendum was held on 11 January 2018. On the basis of a turnout of 39% of those registered to vote, the result was that 252 people voted in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan and 19 voted against. 

Examination

The Bourton Neighbourhood Plan was examined by an independent examiner, Mr Robert Yuille MSc DipTP MRTPI. In accordance with The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and related regulations, the examiner considered in particular whether the plan meets certain basic conditions, satisfies legal requirements, and identifies an appropriate area for a referendum.

The basic conditions, which are set out in the legislation, are intended to ensure that neighbourhood plans are compatible with their wider context. The plan must:

  • have regard to national planning policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State;
  • contribute to achieving sustainable development;
  • be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan for the area ( North Dorset local planning policy); and,
  • be compatible with EU obligations and human rights requirements

Examiner's Report

The examiner concludes that provided the recommendations in his Examiner's Report are followed the plan would meet the basic conditions. He therefore recommends that the plan, as modified, should proceed to a referendum. 

Referendum documentation

The referendum relating to the Bourton Neighbourhood Plan took place on 11 January 2018. Please see below for documents relevant to the referendum.

A Summary of Representations

The Examiner's Report

The Bourton - Dorset Neighbourhood Plan 2016 - 2031 (as modified as a result of the examination)

The Decision Statement, which includes a statement by the local planning authority that the plan as proposed meets the basic conditions

The Information Statement, which includes general information as to town and country planning including neighbourhood planning and the referendum.

Examiner's Report

The examiner concluded that provided the recommended modifications are made as set out in his Examiner's Report then the plan would meet the basic conditions. He therefore recommended that the plan, as modified, should proceed to a referendum. 

The plan and the proposed modifications were reported to a NDDC Cabinet meeting on 30 October 2017. Members decided that the neighbourhood plan, as modified, can proceed to referendum. The referendum took place on 11 January 2018.

Submission for Examination

The Examiner Robert Yuille MSc DipTP MRTPI was appointed to examine the Bourton Neighbourhood Plan. In accordance with Regulation 17 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 the submitted plan and all relevant documentation was forwarded to the Examiner.

The Examiner forwarded questions to both North Dorset District Council and Bourton Parish Council as the Qualifying Body. Here are the responses provided to the Examiner North Dorset District Council response to Examiner's questions and Bourton Parish Council response to Examiner's questions.

Consultation on the submitted plan

As the local planning authority, the District Council was required to consult on the plan proposals before the examination takes place. People were given 6 weeks from Friday 24 February to Friday 7 April 2017 to make representations on the plan with regard to the content and how it has been prepared. 

Representations received to the submission draft Bourton Neighbourhood Plan

Reps
Document Reference Response
BOURTON01A A Sturt Heritage Property Group A
BOURTON01B A Sturt Heritage Property Group B
BOURTON01C A Sturt Heritage Property Group C
BOURTON01D A Sturt Heritage Property Group D
BOURTON02 AONB
BOURTON03A Brimble Lea A
BOURTON03B Brimble Lea B
BOURTON03C Brimble Lea C
BOURTON03D Brimble Lea D
BOURTON03E Brimble Lea E
BOURTON03F Brimble Lea F
BOURTON04A Environment Agency A
BOURTON04B Environment Agency B
BOURTON04C Environment Agency C
BOURTON05A Gladman A
BOURTON05B Gladman B
BOURTON06 Highways England
BOURTON07A Historic England A
BOURTON07B Historic England B
BOURTON07C Historic England C
BOURTON08 Natural England
BOURTON09 North Dorset District Council
BOURTON10 Southern Somerset District Council
BOURTON11A Southern Planning Practice A
BOURTON11B Southern Planning Practice B
BOURTON11C Southern Planning Practice C
BOURTON11D Southern Planning Practice D
BOURTON11E Southern Planning Practice E
BOURTON11F Southern Planning Practice F
BOURTON11G Southern Planning Practice G
BOURTON12 A Gillett

North Dorset District Council received a late submission from A Gillett which the Examiner has accepted and can be found in the table above.

Submission documents

Supporting Evidence

Other background documents

A hard copy of the plan is available to view at the District Council Offices, Nordon, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7LL (8.45am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.30pm on Friday).