Local Plan consultation responses to be published in stages

Dorset Council is preparing a new Local Plan, which will guide where new homes, jobs and other development can take place across the Dorset Council area. 

An Options Consultation was held from August to October 2025.  

This asked residents, organisations and other groups for their views on how Dorset’s future development needs could be met, and invited comments on possible sites for new homes, employment land and traveller sites. 

Cllr Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning, said: 
“We want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation. Your comments give us clear information about what matters to local people and what the area needs. 

“We received a very large number of responses. Because there is so much information to work through, responses will be published in stages so they can be prepared properly.” 

The council has now published responses from: 

• national organisations
• local organisations and community groups 

These can be viewed on the Dorset Council Local Plan Consultation 2025 Comments Search page. 

Responses from the following groups will be published in stages over the coming months: 

• town and parish councils 
• planning agents and developers 
• businesses 
• residents and members of the public 

Gathering evidence is an important part of preparing the Local Plan. This evidence helps the council understand the issues affecting Dorset and what the area will need in the future, such as new homes, jobs and infrastructure. 

Additional evidence reports are currently being prepared. Expected publication dates are available on the Dorset Council Local Plan Evidence and Background Papers webpage. 

Dorset Council would once again like to thank all those who engaged with the consultation. Your contributions are vital in helping shape a sound and robust Local Plan for the future of Dorset.