The original version of the Fontmell Magna Neighbourhood Plan was made (adopted) on 28 November 2018. A review of the plan has been undertaken by the parish council, which was submitted to Dorset Council for examination in August 2024. 

Fontmell Magna Neighbourhood Plan Review

Fontmell Magna Parish Council has prepared a review of its neighbourhood plan. Before the revised plan can be adopted, it must undergo an independent examination, and potentially a referendum.

The submitted revised neighbourhood plan is: 

It is supported by the following documents:

All representations received during the Regulation 16 consultation, have been compiled into the following report:

Dorset Council is required to produce a modifications statement setting out whether the authority believes that the modifications are so significant or substantial as to change the nature of the plan. 

Plan examination

In October 2024, the above documents and representations were sent to an Independent Examiner (Andrew Mead BSc (Hons) MRTPI MIQ).  The Examiner considers whether the plan meets certain basic conditions, satisfies legal requirements, and will decide whether a referendum is necessary.

It is unlikely that the examination will involve a hearing, but this will be determined by the examiner. Updates regarding the examination process will be published on this page. The examiner’s report will be published on this page at the end of the process. 

On 23 October 2024, the examiner wrote to Dorset Council and the parish council in order to confirm some initial procedural matters, and to ask the parish council a set of questions. 

Fontmell Magna Neighbourhood Plan 2017-2031

The Fontmell Magna Neighbourhood Plan 2017 to 2031 was 'made' (adopted) by North Dorset District Council on the 28 November 2018. 

Following a majority 'yes' vote in the referendum, the decision was taken to make the Fontmell Magna Neighbourhood Plan 2017 to 2031 part of the development plan for the Fontmell Magna neighbourhood area.

This decision statement and the 'made' Fontmell Magna Neighbourhood Plan 2017 to 2031 are available online.

Referendum

The referendum relating to the Fontmell Magna Neighbourhood Plan 2017 to 2031 took place on 15 November 2018.  The result of the referendum was that a majority (91.5%) voted for the Council to use the neighbourhood plan to help decide planning applications in the Parish of Fontmell Magna. 

Please see below for documents relevant to the referendum. 

Submission Documents

Appendix 2 - Scoping workshop (on 7 July 2015) conclusions. Appendices 1 and 14 are available within the main document above.

Appendices 2 to 13 are available via the links below:

Supporting Evidence