| Bridport has taken a significant step closer to having greater influence over planning decisions in their area.
A final version of the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan representing the communities of Allington, Bothenhampton & Walditch, Bradpole, Bridport & West Bay, and Symondsbury has been submitted to Dorset Council for examination. The plan has been drawn up by local people, and approved by all participating town and parish councils, who feel confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community. Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act 2011 and aim to give residents more say in the future use of land and buildings in their area. For example the plan can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected. If the neighbourhood plan is approved following examination, and supported by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications. Dorset Council is required to consult on the plan proposals before the examination can take place. View the plan A hard copy of the plan will be made available at the council offices in South Walks House, Dorchester. Bridport Town Council also has also made reference copies available at its Town Council Offices, Bridport Library, Bridport Tourist Information Centre and from all partner parish clerks. The plan can be viewed online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ Comment on the plan People who live, work or run a business in the Bridport Area neighbourhood area have until 28 June 2019, to raise any concerns they may have about the plan. These concerns will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider. Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Planning Portfolio Holder, said: “It takes a tremendous amount of work in order to pull together a Neighbourhood Plan. I congratulate all involved in getting to this stage. “I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Bridport, to view the plans and submit any feedback they may have.” Comments on the plan can be emailed to planningpolicyteamb@ Alternatively, they can be posted to Planning and Community Services, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester DT1 1UZ. Anyone commenting on the plan should let the council know if they wish to be kept informed of the progress of the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan. |
