Residents of Marnhull will soon have their say on the future of their parish by voting on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan.

The plan, created by local residents and agreed by the parish council, sets out a shared vision for how land and buildings should be used in the area. Dorset Council has confirmed that, following a successful independent examination, the plan can now proceed to a referendum.

The vote will take place on Thursday 19 March, with polling stations open from 7am to 10pm. Residents will be asked to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to adopting the plan. Please remember that photo ID is required to vote at a polling station.

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

Introduced under the Localism Act 2011, Neighbourhood Plans give communities more influence over local planning decisions. They can:

• Identify where new homes, shops or offices should be built.
• Set design standards for future development.
• Protect valued features such as green spaces.

If the plan is supported by the local referendum, it will be used to inform decisions on planning applications across Marnhull parish in conjunction with the National Planning Policy Framework and the adopted Local Plan.

Cllr Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning, said:

“A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in the formation of this plan. It is the culmination of dedicated work by the parish council, local groups and the people of the parish of Marnhull.

“While Neighbourhood plans have to align with the Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework, they are an important part of the planning process.

“Neighbourhood plans reflect a community’s vision for the future of their parish and provide parish residents with a voice in the planning process. Please do take the time to take part in this final stage.

“Residents will need to ensure they are on the electoral roll if they intend to vote in this referendum.”

The plan can be viewed online.

A paper copy of the Neighbourhood Plan will be available for public inspection at: Sturminster Newton Library (open Monday 10am to 3pm, Tuesday 2pm to 5pm, Thursday midday to 6pm, and Friday and Saturday 10am to 1pm). Another copy of the plan will be available to view at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull during opening hours. A copy is also available at County Hall reception, Colliton Park, Dorchester.

Questions can be emailed to: neighbourhoodplanning@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.  Alternatively, they can be posted to: Spatial Planning, County Hall, Colliton Park Dorchester DT1 1XJ.