Dorset councillors are encouraging people to get involved in decisions that will shape how the county develops in the years ahead.
The council has launched consultations on both the Local Plan and the Local Transport Plan, which will influence where new homes, schools and jobs are located, as well as how people will travel between them.
Councillor Shane Bartlett, Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning, said it was a pivotal moment for Dorset. He explained that while the county has to meet government housing targets, the focus must remain on building sustainable communities.
He said: “We have tough housing targets to meet that the government has set, but I’m also mindful that we’re planning for real lives, not just numbers on a page. The Local Plan is how we decide where homes go, what kind of communities we’re building and how we make sure future generations have what they need.”
Councillor Bartlett added that Dorset’s character and natural environment had to be safeguarded while also ensuring growth was fair and based on the real needs of communities. He said the council was determined to get the balance right and that meant listening to residents.
The council is also involving schools in the process to ensure younger voices are heard. Councillors believe it is important that the generation who will live with the outcomes of today’s planning decisions have their say.
Councillor Jon Andrews, Portfolio Holder for Place Services, highlighted how the Local Plan and Transport Plan are linked. He said: “You can’t plan new homes or business opportunities without thinking about how people will get to work, school or the shops. The new Transport Plan is about making everyday journeys easier, cleaner and more reliable, and we want the public to help guide that thinking.”
The outcome of these consultations will shape Dorset’s housing, jobs and transport networks for the next 15 to 20 years. Local people are being encouraged to take part and have their say on how the county should grow and develop in the future.
