Decision
(a) That
the Dorset Council Local Plan Options Consultation document, as set out in
Appendix A to the report, be approved for the purpose of public consultation,
to take place for eight weeks from mid-January 2021;
(b) That
authority be delegated to the Service Manager for Spatial Planning, in
consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to make any minor changes
necessary prior to publication;
(c) That
changes to the Statement of Community Involvement included as Appendix B to the
report be agreed to reflect the practicalities of consulting during the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Reason for Recommendation:
Having an up to
date local plan in place is critical in order to shape the future of the Dorset
Council area, provide for development to meet the area’s needs, and manage
decisions on planning applications.
Cabinet have previously agreed the programme for preparing a Dorset
Council Local Plan that would on adoption replace the current district local
plans. Public consultation is a vital
part of the process, and this consultation will enable a wide range of views to
be taken into account in moving the plan forwards.