The Neighbourhood Plan covers the Dorset parishes of Tincleton, West Knighton, West Stafford and Woodsford situated in the western part of Dorset, immediately east of Dorchester. Dorset Council is required to carry out a consultation on the submitted plan which will run from 2 December until 27 January 2025, giving individuals the opportunity to comment on the content of the plan or how it was produced.
The Neighbourhood Plan is intended to cover the period up to 2033, and if adopted, will sit alongside the Dorset Council Local Plan (the “Local Plan”) when it is completed in 2027, but in the meantime, it will sit alongside the ‘old’ West Dorset, Weymouth, and Portland District Council Local Plan.
As would be expected, the Plan has numerous objectives, two of which are to (a) Identify land for possible development to help meet local needs and (b) Ensure new houses and other buildings are well-designed, sustainable and in keeping with the character of the villages.
In more detail, the Plan outlines its requirements for on-site car parking and detailed design guidance for new build and extensions to existing dwellings.
The housing target is stated to be 6 dwellings over the plan period, and is expected to be met through (a) sensitive infill development within the defined development boundary for West Knighton; (b) small-scale affordable housing exceptions sites, subject to identifying a suitable site adjoining the villages of West Knighton, or as infill development within the village of West Stafford; and (c) sensitive conversion, replacement, or subdivision of existing rural buildings.
Associate Director Alan Davies commented; This appears a carefully and well thought out document which goes into very detailed analysis of the physical environment of the parishes and makes for an interesting read. We at Chapman Lily Planning have a proven track record of gaining planning approvals in sensitive village environments where complex planning rules apply. Do get in touch with us if you feel we could assist you with your planning proposals.
