The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 came into effect in September 2004 and it involved changes to the planning system, including the way development plans are prepared.

The Local Development Framework (LDF) comprises a number of separate documents which are being formulated, and some of which have been completed. The framework incorporates a strategy, policies and proposals setting out how North Dorset will develop in the period up to 2026.

North Dorset - Part of Eastern Dorset Strategic Housing Market Area

A Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) is a study of the way the housing market works in any particular area. It looks into the type of people living in the area, where they work and what sort of houses they need.

Interim Position Statements

In response to reform of the planning system, we have produced Interim Position Statements.

Local Development Scheme

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out the timetable for the preparation of planning policy documents. It identifies key dates in plan preparation including opportunities for the public to participate in the process.

Statement of Community Involvement

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out how and when the Council will involve the community and other interested people and organisations in the preparation of planning policy documents and in the consideration of planning applications in North Dorset.

North Dorset Annual Monitoring Report and Development Statistics

Current and previous Annual Monitoring Reports and data tables showing the amount of housing and employment land development since the beginning of the Local Plan Part 1 plan period in 2011.

Managing Housing Land Supply Supplementary Planning Document

On 27 July 2007 the council adopted the 'Managing Housing Land Supply in North Dorset' Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).