Your chance to get involved in Joint Local Plan Review

West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council have given the go ahead for their Joint Local Plan Review to go to the next important phase of public consultation.

Members from both councils gave their approval in late July.

Residents as well as businesses, organisations and statutory bodies will now have their opportunity to share their views.

The West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan was adopted in October 2015. The Inspector’s report, following the public examination of the plan, required an early review to be undertaken. This was in order to identify additional land capable of fulfilling the housing needs requirement to the end of its plan period and for the following five years – up to 2036.

The first part of the local plan review took place in early 2017 on the issues and options for the plan. Following the information gained from this consultation a ‘preferred options’ document has been produced.

Now you have the opportunity to give your views on the preferred options.

You can have your say on the ’preferred options’ during an eight week consultation from 13 August to 8 October.

You can share your comments through our consultation form online, by email or post.

Our online form will be available from 13 August.

The councils have also arranged roadshow events where you can talk to planning officers about any questions or concerns.

Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “The Plan, once approved, will be the framework for development in our area up to 2036.  Public feedback is essential to help the councils ensure that the most suitable sites are allocated.”

Cllr Ray Nowak, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: “The local plan is used when considering all planning applications. In order to make decisions which are supported, we need to hear as many views as possible.”