The consultations for both the Local Plan and the Local Transport Plan have closed. Dorset Council is reviewing all responses and continues preparing both plans.
Dorset Council Local Plan
The Local Plan consultation was set to explore how land could meet development needs across the Dorset Council area between 2026 and 2043. Your feedback will help shape the Local Plan. Once adopted, the plan will guide planning decisions in Dorset.
As well as information and online forms available on the Dorset Council website for public feedback, a drop in session to view the plans was held in The Digby Hall, Hound Street on 7th October 2025.
The Local Plan will be Dorset Council’s response to the Government’s commitment to:
- addressing the shortage of housing
- enable economic growth
- deliver essential infrastructure to support economic growth
It will also set out how planning decisions will seek to conserve and enhance the environment, including measures to address climate change.
Dorset Council is required to identify development opportunities to help meet the needs of Dorset. In doing so, it invites landowners to submit land they consider to be developable to it. It is also required to consider other opportunities that it has not been informed about. This is part of the reason for the consultation – to identify availability and other deliverability issues.
Sherborne Town Council’s submitted response to the Dorset Council Local Plan Options Consultation 2025 can be seen HERE
Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan
In addition the proposed Sherborne Neighbourhood Plan was also submitted HERE
Dorset Council Local Transport Plan
The Local Transport Plan sets out goals and policies for improving transport in Dorset over the next 15 years. This plan is developed jointly with Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Council (BCP).
The Town Clerk’s submitted survey response on behalf of Sherborne Town Council can be seen HERE
Local Transport Plan
For more information regarding the Dorset Council Local Plan and Local Transport Plan CLICK HERE