Uncertain planning laws, flooding risks, and traveler site issues delay the Local Plan. Submission expected late 2026.
Shane Bartlett says new rules impact the planning. Nutrient neutrality and flood risks added to the work. Gypsy and traveler sites also need extra input.
Confusion exists about the plan’s format. It might need a new model. Combining it with another plan is also debated. The council awaits guidance before merging anything.
Council officers aim to submit it by late 2026. Bartlett admits this is guesswork. It hinges on what the Government decides. Bartlett stated the 2026 date is ambitious. He noted planning direction remains uncertain. They still lack key details from the Government.
Revised housing targets might cause more delays. The Government wants 3,219 houses built yearly. Bartlett says this is an 80% increase. Bartlett called the Government decisions frustrating. They lose their land supply this October. This opens them to risky development projects.
Council leader Nick Ireland emphasized the plan’s importance. They will try their best to meet deadlines. Ireland stated that most local plans are outdated. Purbeck is the only exception to this rule.
Dorset’s Local Plan started in June 2019. An initial draft appeared in January 2021. Richard Biggs links the Local Plan to economic growth. He said the topics really connect.
Biggs likened it to a sat nav system. They know the final stop clearly. It remains unclear if they will get detours underway. Biggs advised the council to be flexible. They must adapt to Government changes quickly.