Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2025 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interest as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest to report.

The Director of Legal & Democratic and the Monitoring Officer advised that in respect of Item 19 “Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan”, three members of Cabinet, Cllrs Simon Clifford, Ryan Hope and Gill Taylor were members of Weymouth Town Council as well as councillors at Dorset Council.

Weymouth Town Council had met on 20 November 2024 to endorse the submission of the draft Neighbourhood Plan to Dorset Council, independent inspection and a referendum.

The Director of Legal & Democratic and the Monitoring Officer confirmed that these councillors had not predetermined the report before Cabinet and he had advised those members concerned that they were able to take part in the debate and decision.

Representatives of town or parish councils and members of the public who live, work, or represent an organisation within the Dorset Council area are welcome to submit either 1 question or 1 statement for each meeting.  You are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via MS Teams to read out your question and to receive the response.   If you submit a statement for the committee this will be circulated to all members of the committee in advance of the meeting as a supplement to the agenda and appended to the minutes for the formal record but will not be read out at the meeting. The first 8 questions and the first 8 statements received from members of the public or organisations for each meeting will be accepted on a first come first served basis in accordance with the deadline set out below.  Further information read Public Participation - Dorset Council

All submissions must be emailed in full to [email protected]  by 8.30am on Monday 26 January 2026.

When submitting your question or statement please note that:

•         You can submit 1 question or 1 statement.

•         a question may include a short pre-amble to set the context.

•         It must be a single question and any sub-divided questions will not be permitted.

•         Each question will consist of no more than 450 words, and you will be given up to 3 minutes to present your question.

•         when submitting a question please indicate who the question is for (e.g., the name of the committee or Portfolio Holder)

•         Include your name, address, and contact details.  Only your name will be published but we may need your other details to contact you about your question or statement in advance of the meeting.

•         questions and statements received in line with the council’s rules for public participation will be published as a supplement to the agenda.

•         all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting.  

There were two questions/statements from the public.  A copy of the full questions and the detailed responses are set out in Appendix 1 to these minutes.

To receive questions submitted by councillors.  

Councillors can submit up to two valid questions at each meeting and sub divided questions count towards this total.   Questions and statements received will be published as a supplement to the agenda and all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting. 

The submissions must be emailed in full to [email protected]  8.30am on Monday 26 January 2026. 

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13 

There were no formal questions from Councillors.

To consider the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The draft Cabinet Forward Plan for March was received and noted.

The Leader of the Council made a statement explaining how reports 7 to 10 on the agenda demonstrated the way investment, planning, and financial decisions combined to deliver tangible progress against each of Dorset Council’s Plan Priorities. The statement is provided at Appendix 2 to these minutes.

To consider a report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate, Performance and Safeguarding.

(a)           That the spend from the corporate climate capital programme for those elements identified as over £500k, as set out in the report to Cabinet or 29 January 2026, be approved. 

Specifically:

(i)    £700k for the installation of the next phase of solar PV across the council’s estate, and

(ii)   £1.3m for replacement of more old, obsolete street lighting with LED street lighting using the PFI contract and in line with the Council’s street lighting policy adopted September 2025.

(b)           That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Strategy, Performance and Sustainability in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate, Performance and Safeguarding, to approve further individual item spend within the remaining climate capital allocation, for the identified projects.

Reason for the Decision

There is £4m remaining in the climate capital programme. Two workstreams allocated within the current climate capital programme had identified the requirement for spend above the £500k cabinet approval threshold, with the total of these amounting to £2m. Delegating approval for the further spend within the remaining allocation would allow the projects outlined in the report to proceed.

The Leader of the Council, Climate, Performance and Safeguarding introduced a report outlining the Capital Programme and the proposed capital investment across a broad range of projects within the Natural Environment, Climate and Ecology Strategy 2023 – 25. The remaining funding allocation for 2025-2027 (£4m) involved expenditure exceeding the £500k threshold, meaning Cabinet approval was required for the projects detailed in the report.

It was proposed by Cllr N Ireland and seconded by Cllr J Andrews

Decision

(a)           That the spend from the corporate climate capital programme for those elements identified as over £500k, as set out in the report to Cabinet or 29 January 2026, be approved. 

Specifically:

(i)    £700k for the installation of the next phase of solar PV across the council’s estate, and

(ii)   £1.3m for replacement of more old, obsolete street lighting with LED street lighting using the PFI contract and in line with the Council’s street lighting policy adopted September 2025.

(b)           That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Strategy, Performance and Sustainability in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate, Performance and Safeguarding, to approve further individual item spend within the remaining climate capital allocation, for the identified projects.

Reason for the Decision

There was £4m remaining in the climate capital programme. Two workstreams allocated within the current climate capital programme had identified the requirement for spend above the £500k cabinet approval threshold, with the total of these amounting to £2m. Delegating approval for the further spend within the remaining allocation would allow the projects outlined in the report to proceed.

The Cabinet Member for Place Services to present a referral from Place and Resources Overview Committee, (meeting held on 25 September 2025) requesting Cabinet to approve the Active Travel Plan.

That the Active Travel Infrastructure Plan be approved.

Reason for the decision

To enable the Active Travel Infrastructure Plan to be implemented.

The Cabinet Member for Place Services set out the referral from the Place and Resources Overview Committee meeting held on 25 September 2025, seeking Cabinet’s support to approve the Active Travel Plan.

It was proposed by Cllr J Andrews and seconded by Cllr S Robinson

Decision

That the Active Travel Infrastructure Plan be approved.

Reason for the decision

To enable the Active Travel Infrastructure Plan to be implemented.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Place Services.

(a)           That the strategic direction for transforming public and community transport, as set out in the report of 29 January 2026, be endorsed

(b)           That the development of a Full Business Case exploring the range of options for delivering a modern, integrated and community‑focused transport system, including financial, procurement, and consultation plans to enable implementation from April 2027, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To secure Cabinet endorsement for the strategic direction and authorise preparation of a Full Business Case for improving public and community transport, ensuring alignment with the council’s community-focused agenda, and enabling timely planning for investment, procurement, and consultation ahead of implementation in 2027.

The Cabinet Member for Place Services presented a report outlining the strategic direction for transforming public and community transport in Dorset. The report identified current challenges and set out the intention to develop a Full Business Case to deliver a more inclusive, reliable and community-focused transport system from 2027.

Non-executive members expressed support for the proposals and welcomed the future development of the detailed business case. Questions were raised regarding the approach to community engagement, particularly ensuring that local action groups could contribute, and about providing adequate support for smaller parishes where the need for community transport was significant.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Place Services welcomed members’ comments and confirmed that consultation would take place following completion of the Full Business Case. This would involve both public and stakeholder engagement.

It was proposed by Cllr J Andrews and seconded by Cllr S Clifford

Decision

(a)           That the strategic direction for transforming public and community transport, as set out in the report of 29 January 2026, be endorsed

(b)           That the development of a Full Business Case exploring the range of options for delivering a modern, integrated and community‑focused transport system, including financial, procurement, and consultation plans to enable implementation from April 2027, be approved.

Reason for the decision

To secure Cabinet endorsement for the strategic direction and authorise preparation of a Full Business Case for improving public and community transport, ensuring alignment with the council’s community-focused agenda, and enabling timely planning for investment, procurement, and consultation ahead of implementation in 2027.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Capital Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Capital Strategy presented the Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan Strategy report for recommendation to Full Council.

In setting out the report and its recommendations, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Capital Strategy gave a wider overview of the context influencing the Council’s financial position. He highlighted that Dorset, as a predominantly rural county with a significantly aging population, continued to face challenges which were not fully reflected in national funding allocations. Also, the Council received comparatively less transport support than neighbouring authorities, and the area’s seasonal economy contributed to younger residents leaving the county in search of stable employment.

The Cabinet Member continued that the introduction of a three‑year financial settlement was welcomed; however, in real terms Dorset would see a reduction of £6 million over that period. He explained that business rates have fallen by 15%, and this financial backdrop contributed to the need for a 4.99% increase in council tax, which, while disappointing, was presented as a direct consequence of the national approach to funding distribution and its impact on Dorset.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the contributions of the budget cafés, and the recommendations and comments from the Scrutiny Committees; and these along with the responses were set out in Appendix 9 to the report (circulated as a supplement).

Non-Cabinet members asked several questions around Adult Social Care and Children Services.  There was also frustration expressed regarding the government’s settlement, and it was hoped that the Council would continue to apply pressure on central government for improved funding.

Members welcomed the introduction of the budget simulator and expressed a hope that it would be utilised again next year.

Before the recommendations were put to the vote, individual Cabinet members were given an opportunity to draw attention to how the budget specifically impacted their portfolio areas, and the steps being taken to manage financial pressures through efficiencies while continuing to support vulnerable residents and essential infrastructure.

Cllr S Clifford proposed the recommendations 1 to 13 of the report and these were seconded by Cllr S Robinson.

Recommendation to Full Council 

1.             That the revenue budget summarised in Appendix 1 of the report to Cabinet of 29 January 2026, be agreed.

2.             That the increase in general Council Tax of 2.9985% and 1.9919% in the Social Care Precept, providing a Band D Council Tax figure for Dorset Council of £2,205.90; an overall increase of 4.9904%, be agreed and that the Council Tax resolution in Appendix 2 be agreed.

3.             That the Council Tax base of 163,765.1 and Band D equivalents (188,374 households in total) agreed by the Section 151 Officer earlier in this budget setting process, be noted.

4.             That the continuation of the unchanged scheme of Local Council Tax Support, and the revised income tables following the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uplift of benefits by 3.8%, be noted.

5.             That the Capital Strategy set out in Appendix 7, be agreed.

6.             That the “standing items” included with the Capital Programme as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Capital Strategy.

(a)           That the Senior Leadership Team’s forecast as of December 2025 including progress on the transformational and efficiency savings incorporated into the budget, be noted.

(b)           That the capital programme for 2025/26, be noted.

(c)           That the number and extent of contract exemptions, be noted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure the Council could set and deliver a balanced budget, this report provided an update on the forecast financial position for 2025/26 and the significant operational and financial pressures facing the organisation. In a challenging national context for local authorities, effective oversight of activities and budgets was essential to maintain financial sustainability, support delivery of Council Plan priorities, and ensure the Council continued to provide vital services and wider economic benefits.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Capital Strategy introduced the quarter 3 financial management report which provided a comprehensive overview of Dorset Council’s financial position as of 31 December 2025.  The report also highlighted key challenges, risk and actions for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

Cabinet noted

(a)           That the Senior Leadership Team’s forecast as of December 2025 including progress on the transformational and efficiency savings incorporated into the budget, be noted.

(b)           That the capital programme for 2025/26, be noted.

(c)           That the number and extent of contract exemptions, be noted.

Reason for the report

To ensure the Council could set and deliver a balanced budget, this report provided an update on the forecast financial position for 2025/26 and the significant operational and financial pressures facing the organisation. In a challenging national context for local authorities, effective oversight of activities and budgets was essential to maintain financial sustainability, support delivery of Council Plan priorities, and ensure the Council continued to provide vital services and wider economic benefits.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Service, Education and Skills.

(a)       That the following policies that make up Dorset Council’s School Admissions Arrangements and Coordinated Scheme for school place allocations for September 2027, be approved and adopted:

(i)         Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme Timetable 2027-2028

(ii)        Primary Co-ordinated Scheme 2027-2028

(iii)       Secondary Co-ordinated Scheme 2027-2028

(iv)      In Year Co-ordinated Scheme 2027-2028

(v)        Admissions Arrangements for Community & Voluntary Controlled Schools 2027-2028.

(vi)      Admissions to Maintained Nursery Units Policy 2027-2028

(vii)     Sixth Form Admissions Policy 2027-2028

(viii)    Armed Forces Policy 2027-2028

(b)       In addition, the following reductions in Pupil Admissions Number (PAN), be approved.

(i)         William Barnes Primary School reduction of their PAN from 30 to 20 with effect from September 2027.

(ii)        Wyke Regis Junior School reduction of their PAN from 90 to 60 with effect from September 2027.

Reason for the decision

To determine admissions arrangements in accordance with statutory requirements including the Schools Admissions Code September 2021.

To ensure compliance with the latest legislation and any subsequent regulation/statutory guidance.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills presented the annual report that asked members to approve the policies that make up Dorset Council’s School Admission Arrangements. Members were also asked to consider reductions in Pupil Admission Number (PAN) for William Barns Primary School and Wyke Regis Junior School.

It was proposed by Cllr C Sutton and seconded by Cllr S Robinson

Decision

(a)       That the following policies that make up Dorset Council’s School Admissions Arrangements and Coordinated Scheme for school place allocations for September 2027, be approved and adopted:

(i)         Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme Timetable 2027-2028

(ii)        Primary Co-ordinated Scheme 2027-2028

(iii)       Secondary Co-ordinated Scheme 2027-2028

(iv)      In Year Co-ordinated Scheme 2027-2028

(v)        Admissions Arrangements for Community & Voluntary Controlled Schools 2027-2028.

(vi)      Admissions to Maintained Nursery Units Policy 2027-2028

(vii)     Sixth Form Admissions Policy 2027-2028

(viii)    Armed Forces Policy 2027-2028

(b)       In addition, the following reductions in Pupil Admissions Number (PAN), be approved.

(i)         William Barnes Primary School reduction of their PAN from 30 to 20 with effect from September 2027.

(ii)        Wyke Regis Junior School reduction of their PAN from 90 to 60 with effect from September 2027.

Reason for the decision

To determine admissions arrangements in accordance with statutory requirements including the Schools Admissions Code September 2021.

To ensure compliance with the latest legislation and any subsequent regulation/statutory guidance.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills.

That the contents of the annual report be received and noted.

Reason for the recommendation

To ensure that the QARO service continued to develop and evolve to offer the best possible support and challenge to the Local Authority in meeting the needs of our children in care, and to ensure voices of children and young people in care were heard and acted upon. 

In presenting the report, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills advised that the paper had also been considered and scrutinised by the Corporate Parenting Board on 11 December 2025.

The annual report reviewed and monitored all plans for children’s services and the evidence demonstrated that the service continued to develop and supported children to be well cared for.

In response to a question relating to support for the most vulnerable children including SEND and children with speech and language difficulties, the Cabinet Member agreed to have a conversation with the individual member outside of the meeting.

It was proposed by Cllr C Sutton and seconded by Cllr S Robinson.

Decision

That the contents of the annual report be received and noted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure that the QARO service continued to develop and evolve to offer the best possible support and challenge to the Local Authority in meeting the needs of our children in care, and to ensure voices of children and young people in care were heard and acted upon. 

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills.

That the annual report be received.

Reason for the decision

To provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the LADO service and ensure all stakeholders were fully informed via the LADO Annual Report. 

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills presented the annual report, which had also been considered and scrutinised by the Corporate Parenting Board on 11 December 2025.

It was proposed by Cllr C Sutton, seconded by Cllr R Biggs

Decision

That the annual report be received.

Reason for the decision

To provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the LADO service and ensure all stakeholders were fully informed via the LADO Annual Report. 

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills to present a referral from the Shareholder Committee for Dorset Centre of Excellence (meeting held on 1 December 2025), requesting that Cabinet receive the Coombe House Annual Performance Report 2025.

That the Coombe House annual report be received and noted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure that Cabinet was fully informed of the activities and work of Coombe House.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills presented the referral from the Shareholder Committee for the Dorset Centre of Excellence that met on 1 December 2026, to approve the Coombe House annual report.

In response to questions, the Cabinet Member reaffirmed the administration’s commitments to Coombe House, noting that an options appraisal was currently underway to explore how different areas of the site could be further developed.  It was acknowledged that, while significant progress had already been made with the school, there remained clear opportunities to do more and these were being actively considered as part of the appraisal process.

It was proposed by Cllr C Sutton and seconded by Cllr R Biggs

Decision

That the Coombe House annual report be received and noted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure that Cabinet was fully informed of the activities and work of Coombe House.

To consider a report of the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Climate, Performance and Safeguarding.

Cabinet agreed

(a)    To a contract modification, in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015, Regulation 72, to the existing electoral registration and elections printing contract extending the term for a period of 6 months to      31 August 2026.  The value of the permitted modification under Regulation 72 is no more than 10% of the initial contract value of £805,000 i.e. £80,500.

(b)    To the commencement of a procurement exercise for a contract for electoral registration and election printing.

Reason for decision

The Council must maintain its ability to meet statutory obligations for delivering elections and electoral registration services, and the current supplier had provisionally agreed to extend the existing contract pending internal approvals. As the estimated value of the new electoral registration and elections printing contract is £1.85 million, exceeding the £500,000 financial threshold for key decisions, Cabinet approval was required to proceed with the procurement.

The Leader of the Council, Climate, Performance and Safeguarding outlined the report regarding the need to ensure continued provision of electoral registration and election printing services. The current contract had reached its approved duration and value, and therefore a short extension was required to maintain continuity of service while officers undertook a full review and procurement process.

It was proposed by Cllr N Ireland and seconded by Cllr R Hope

Decision

Cabinet agreed

(a)    To a contract modification, in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015, Regulation 72, to the existing electoral registration and elections printing contract extending the term for a period of 6 months to      31 August 2026.  The value of the permitted modification under Regulation 72 is no more than 10% of the initial contract value of £805,000 i.e. £80,500.

(b)    To the commencement of a procurement exercise for a contract for electoral registration and election printing.

Reason for decision

The Council must maintain its ability to meet statutory obligations for delivering elections and electoral registration services, and the current supplier had provisionally agreed to extend the existing contract pending internal approvals. As the estimated value of the new electoral registration and elections printing contract is £1.85 million, exceeding the £500,000 financial threshold for key decisions, Cabinet approval was required to proceed with the procurement.

To consider a report of the Cabinet member for Planning and Emergency Planning.

That the response to East Devon District Council, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report of 29 January 2026, be agreed.

Reason for decision

To ensure that this Council’s views were taken into account in preparing the East Devon Local Plan and maintain appropriate cooperation during the production of both councils’ local plans.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning presented a report on the East Devon local plan consultation.  The response to East Devon District Council was set out in detail as an appendix to the report and it ensured that the Council’s views were considered in preparing the East Devon Local Plan and maintain appropriate co-operation during the production of both councils’ local plans.

It was proposed by Cllr S Bartlett and seconded by Cllr B Wilson

Decision

That the response to East Devon District Council, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report of 29 January 2026, be agreed.

Reason for decision

To ensure that this Council’s views were considered in preparing the East Devon Local Plan and maintain appropriate cooperation during the production of both councils’ local plans.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning.

That the response agreed with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning, be endorsed.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council must engage constructively with the New Forest National Park Authority in preparing its Local Plan, including responding to cross‑boundary matters such as housing need and provision for gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople. A draft consultation response, agreed with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning and included at Appendix B of the report of 29 January 2026, had been submitted to the Authority. Following Cabinet’s consideration, Dorset Council would confirm that this response was final or amend and resubmit it to replace the original draft.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning presented a report on the New Forest National Park Local Plan response.

The response to the consultation was set out at Appendix B of the report and Members were asked to endorse the comments that had been agreed by the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning.

The Cabinet Member and Corporate Director for Planning confirmed that all approved development in Dorset included sufficient mitigation for impacts on internationally protected habitats. In the case of the New Forest, Dorset had a duty to ensure mitigation was in place; without it, those developments could not be approved. While the New Forest District Council delivered the mitigation, Dorset Council ensured the necessary contributions were passed to them. This process was based on the actual habitat impact not on administrative boundaries. The cost of Dorset Council’s administrative process was met by the Community Infrastructure Levy.

It was proposed by Cllr S Bartlett and seconded by Cllr B Wilson

Decision

That the response agreed with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning, be endorsed.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council must engage constructively with the New Forest National Park Authority in preparing its Local Plan, including responding to cross‑boundary matters such as housing need and provision for gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople. A draft consultation response, agreed with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning and included at Appendix B of the report of 29 January 2026, had been submitted to the Authority. Following Cabinet’s consideration, Dorset Council would confirm that this response was final or amend and resubmit it to replace the original draft.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning.

(a)           That the Council ‘makes’ the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan (as set out in Appendix A of the report of 29 January 2026) part of the statutory development plan for the Weymouth Neighbourhood Area, replacing the made Sutton Poyntz Neighbourhood Plan.

(b)           That the Council offers its congratulations to Weymouth Town Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group for producing a successful neighbourhood plan.  

Reason for the decision

To formally ‘make’ the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for the Weymouth Neighbourhood Area, replacing the made Sutton Poyntz Neighbourhood Plan. In addition, to recognise the significant amount of work undertaken by the Town Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group in preparing the plan and to congratulate the Council and the Group on their success.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning set out the report on the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan that had been subject to independent examination and referendum. The Neighbourhood Plan would also replace the Sutton Poyntz Neighbourhood Plan.

In proposing the recommendation, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning took the opportunity to thank Weymouth Town Council, the members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group and officers for producing the plan.

Cllr N Ireland seconded the motion.

Cabinet supported the recommendation and congratulated Weymouth Town Councillors and in particular Cllr D Northam for their hard work. Cllr D Northam spoke in support of the recommendation and thanked all those involved.

Decision

(a)           That the Council ‘makes’ the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan (as set out in Appendix A of the report of 29 January 2026) part of the statutory development plan for the Weymouth Neighbourhood Area, replacing the made Sutton Poyntz Neighbourhood Plan.

(b)           That the Council offers its congratulations to Weymouth Town Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group for producing a successful neighbourhood plan.  

Reason for the decision

To formally ‘make’ the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for the Weymouth Neighbourhood Area, replacing the made Sutton Poyntz Neighbourhood Plan. In addition, to recognise the significant amount of work undertaken by the Town Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group in preparing the plan and to congratulate the Council and the Group on their success.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning.

(a)           That the Council ‘makes’ the Melbury Abbas and Cann Neighbourhood Development Plan (as set out in Appendix A of the report to cabinet 29 January 2026) part of the statutory development plan for the Melbury Abbas and Cann Neighbourhood Area.

(b)           That the Council offers its congratulations to Melbury Abbas and Cann Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group for producing a successful neighbourhood plan.  

Reason for the decision

To formally ‘make’ the Melbury Abbas and Cann Neighbourhood Development Plan part of the statutory development plan for the Melbury Abbas and Cann Neighbourhood Area. In addition, to recognise the significant amount of work undertaken by the Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group in preparing the plan and to congratulate the Council and the Group on their success.         

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning set out the report on the Melbury Abbas and Cann Neighbourhood Plan that had been subject to independent examination and referendum.

In proposing the recommendation, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning took the opportunity to thank Melbury Abbas and Cann Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group for producing a successful plan.

Cllr R Hope seconded the motion.

Cllr J Somper spoke in support of the recommendation and took the opportunity to thank the parish council and volunteers for their hard work in shaping the plan.

Decision

(a)           That the Council ‘makes’ the Melbury Abbas and Cann Neighbourhood Development Plan (as set out in Appendix A of the report to cabinet 29 January 2026) part of the statutory development plan for the Melbury Abbas and Cann Neighbourhood Area.

(b)           That the Council offers its congratulations to Melbury Abbas and Cann Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group for producing a successful neighbourhood plan.  

Reason for the decision

To formally ‘make’ the Melbury Abbas and Cann Neighbourhood Development Plan part of the statutory development plan for the Melbury Abbas and Cann Neighbourhood Area. In addition, to recognise the significant amount of work undertaken by the Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group in preparing the plan and to congratulate the Council and the Group on their success.         

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items considered at the meeting.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph x of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.  

There are no exempt items scheduled for this meeting.  

There was no exempt business scheduled for this meeting.