Dorset Council’s Local and Transport Plans

Dorset Council is entering the final stage of its public consultations on the Dorset Local Plan and the Dorset Local Transport Plan. These two long-term strategies will shape how communities across the county develop over the next 15 to 20 years. These consultations are crucial for everyone in Dorset. They will influence how our towns, villages, and transport networks develop, and it is essential that as many people as possible have the chance to share their views before the consultations close on 13th October 2025.

• The Local Plan – covering housing, employment land, infrastructure and community development .
• The Local Transport Plan – focusing on how people and goods move around Dorset, now and in the future.

Shaftesbury Town Council’s Extraordinary Full Council Meeting

On Tuesday 23rd September, Shaftesbury Town Council held an Extraordinary Full Council Meeting (EFC) to consider its formal response to the plans. Members of the public attended and shared their views during the open session, before councillors discussed the proposals in detail.

The Mayor gave a presentation outlining the background to the consultations, Dorset’s current situation, and the key elements of the draft plans. The presentation is available here for anyone who was unable to attend the meeting.

Shaftesbury Public Meeting for Dorset Local Plan Consultation

During the meeting, councillors heard from several people concerned about issues such as infrastructure and environmental impact. The Mayor urged everyone to take part in the consultation surveys. The consultations are a real opportunity for residents to influence how Shaftesbury looks in the future, making sure it gets the right development and infrastructure to support it, in the right area.

Take action to shape the future of Dorset

There is still time to give your views on what happens in Shaftesbury.  It is vital that you give your views within the survey, giving as much detailed feedback as you can about what is needed for the proposed developments. Only responses submitted through the official consultation channels will count.

Residents can share their views in several ways. The quickest and preferred method is by completing the online surveys at: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-is-changing

Alternatively, responses can be sent by email to: planningpolicyconsult@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Or by post to:

Spatial Planning Team

Dorset Council

County Hall

Colliton Park

Dorchester   DT1 1XJ

When responding, residents are asked to clearly reference either the Dorset Local Plan or the Dorset Local Transport Plan.

Full details of the proposals and supporting information are available on the Dorset Council website – Dorset is Changing