A local community has taken a significant step closer to having greater influence over planning decisions in their area.
Neighbourhood plan set for consultation
Milborne St Andrew Parish Council has submitted a neighbourhood plan to North Dorset District Council.
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 plans can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected.
The Milborne St Andrew Neighbourhood Plan sets out a range of planning policies, including a policy that allocates a site for development.
It has been submitted to North Dorset District Council who will now arrange an independent examiner to assess it.
The district council is required to publicly consult on the plan. The plan, supporting documents, and response form can be accessed online.
You can also view the plan at the Council’s Offices at Nordon Lodge, 58 Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum and the Council’s Offices at South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester during normal opening hours.
All comments must be received by 4pm on Friday 1 March 2018. These comments will then be sent to the examiner along with the plan. Depending on the examiner’s report, a referendum will be held for the residents of Milborne St Andrew to decide whether the plan should be approved.
Huge amount of hard work
Cllr David Walsh, Portfolio Holder for Planning at North Dorset District Council, said:
“It is good news that the Milborne St Andrew Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to the District Council. Its submission is the result of a huge amount of hard work by all those involved in producing the plan.
“I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Milborne St Andrew to have their say on the submitted plan.”
Cllr Emma Parker, North Dorset District Council Ward Member for Milborne St Andrew (Abbey Ward), said:
“Neighbourhood Plans provide a strategy for local people to set-out how their village should look and feel. By identifying what matters to residents we can help protect areas of importance and ensure that we have greater influence over the type of development in the area.
“I would like to thank the Neighbourhood Planning Group for their hard work in establishing a village plan for Milborne St Andrew. I am confident that this plan will be supported by the residents and the local community.”
Cllr Jane Somper, North Dorset District Council Ward Member for Milborne St Andrew (Abbey Ward), said:
“After the enormous work carried out by the volunteers on the Neighbourhood Plan Group, I am delighted that the plan has now been submitted.
I am sure that many of those living and working in Milborne St Andrew will be supporting this plan”
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