Decision details

Reason for Decision

To progress the Bridport Neighbourhood Plan to referendum so that pending a favourable vote, the plan can be 'made'

Alternative Options considered and rejected

The Council can decide not to follow the recommendations of the Examiner, but it must set out its reasons for doing so.

The Council has agreed to accept all of the Examiner’s recommendations made within her report but with the exception of two modifications to Policy H3. These modifications are with the agreement of the Joint Councils Committee (JCC).

Policy H3 has been re-titled ‘Affordable Housing Exceptions Sites’ rather than ‘Rural Exceptions Sites and Entry Level Exception sites’.

1. The title and policy text of Policy H3 has been modified to remove reference to ‘Rural Exception Sites’ to ensures Policy H3 remains in general conformity with the strategic polices of the Adopted West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan 2015; Policy HOUS2: Affordable Housing Exception Sites.
2. The title and policy text of Policy H3 has also been modified to remove reference to ‘Entry Level Exception Sites’ to ensure Policy H3 has regard to National Policy and advice. NPPF, Paragraph 71 (b), footnote 34 clarifies that Entry-level exception sites should not be permitted in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), such as the Bridport Area. 

a) The Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan 2020 - 2036 as modified can proceed to referendum

b) A recommendation to 'make' the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan 2020 - 2036 be made to a Cabinet meeting after the referendum if the result of the referendum is in support of making the plan and there are no other issues identified that would go against such a decision.