Local Plan Options Consultation
DORSET COUNCIL STARTS CONSULTATION ON THE LOCAL PLAN
The consultation runs from 18 August to 13 October 2025 and provides an important opportunity for residents to put forward their views on the proposals for future housing development in the area they live in.
WHAT IS A LOCAL PLAN?
The Government requires every council to prepare a local plan. The authority responsible for this in our area is Dorset Council. A new national policy for calculating housing need for each area in England has been introduced and the stipulated housing target for Dorset to meet this need is 3 ,246 new homes per year - that’s just over 50,000 by 2043. This is a significant increase.
The Local Plan sets out how the land in Dorset will be used and how the housing targets can be met over the next 15-20 years. It also covers sites for businesses, infrastructure, town centres and how to protect the natural environment.
HOW DO THE PROPOSALS IMPACT THE TOWN?
The draft Local Plan identifies proposed opportunity sites for housing development in each ward area across Dorset. The proposals for Lytchett Minster & Upton lists a number of opportunity sites which would collectively accommodate over 5000 new homes, predominantly in Lytchett Minster.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE & COMMENT?
Dorset
Council will be hosting a series of in-person drop in consultation events,
including one at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall on Wednesday 17 September between
2-6 pm. A list of the drop in events can be found here: Dorset Local Plan - consultation drop-in sessions.
Local consultation events with the Dorset Ward Councillors for Lytchett Minster & Upton will be held on the following dates:
Friday
29 August
St Dunstan’s Church, Poole Road, Upton
10am - 1pm & 5pm-8pm.
Tuesday 30
September
Lytchett Minster & Upton Town Council, 1 Moorland Parade, Moorland Way BH16 5JS 1pm - 8pm.
The Town Council is currently drafting its own response to the proposals and we actively encourage everyone to read the proposals and share your comments to influence and shape the final plan. You must submit your comments by the deadline of 13 October 2025. The plan can be found online at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/dorset-council-local-plan-options-consultation- 2025.
You can submit your comments in the following ways:
· Send in writing to: Planning Policy Consultation, Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ
· Emailed to planningpolicyconsult@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
· Using the response forms and survey (Dorset Council's preferred response option) found on the Dorset Council Local Plan Consultation page:
TOP TIPS!
To make sure your comments make an impact, back them up with evidence and then refer to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) - the rulebook for planning. Please click the following link to view the document: National Planning Policy Framework. Also include facts, figures and photos. Remember: Identify - Evidence - NPPF paragraph.
Here are some useful resources to help you write your response:
CPRE Dorset
Dorset Climate Action Group Local Plan Letter