Dorset Council Local Plan Scoping Consultation

In our August e-newsletter we welcomed Dorset Council’s intention to produce a draft Local Plan under the new 30-month system and the opportunities which the new timetable provides for Dorset Council to reset its approach to the Local Plan.

This does not mean Dorset Council are abandoning previous work on the Local Plan. While they will need to follow the new legal process, timetable and consultation requirements, they will also use and build on evidence already collected and take account of comments received during earlier stages.

The Scoping Consultation is the first formal stage and it was held between 21st September and 26th October 2026. It asked residents and organisations what the new Local Plan should cover and about the proposed vision and priorities. A copy of Dorset CPRE’s response to the 25 questions is available to read on our website. We aim shortly to arrange a meeting with Dorset Council Planners to hear their views, discuss our concerns and look ahead to next steps.