Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan

Following a 'yes' vote in the referendum on 8 August 2019, Dorset Council officially 'made' the Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan on 1 October 2019.

Dorset has taken the decision to make the Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan (as modified in accordance with the Examiner's recommendations) part of the development plan for the Broadwindsor, Burstock and Seaborough parish areas.  The Report to the Council and the Adoption Decision Statement are available.

Referendum Result

The Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan referendum was held on Thursday 8 August 2019. From an electorate of 1287 there was a turnout of 401 (31.16%). The results of the poll included; 301 votes in favour (75.06%) and 100 votes against (24.93%).

Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan Referendum

Following the successful examination of the Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan, the council agreed to enable the plan, as amended to proceed to referendum. The council released a Decision Statement to this effect.

The referendum was held on Thursday 8 August 2019 across the Broadwindsor, Burstock and Seaborough parish areas.

The information made available for the referendum was:

Neighbourhood Plan examination

An independent examiner Mr Brian Dodd was appointed after a decision to submit the Neighbourhood Plan for examination. His examination report was released on 26 April 2019 with the recommendation that the Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan should, subject to modification, proceed to referendum.

Following the submission of the Broadwindsor Neighbourhood Plan for examination, the examiner wrote to us and Broadwindsor Group Parish Council on the 1 April 2019 to ask a number of questions. We wrote back to the examiner on the 4 April 2019.

As part of his examination of the plan, the independent examiner had to consider whether the plan met certain basic conditions and satisfied legal requirements.

The basic conditions are set out in the legislation, and are intended to ensure that neighbourhood plans fit within their wider context. The plan must:

  • have regard to national planning policies and guidance
  • contribute to achieving sustainable development
  • be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan i.e. the West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Adopted Local Plan
  • be compatible with European Union law and human rights obligations
  • not breach the requirements of Chapter 8 of Part 6 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

At the examination, an independent examiner will provide a review of the plan and make recommendations in accordance with the 2011 Localism Act and related regulations.

If the neighbourhood plan is approved following examination, and supported by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

Consultation on the Submitted Plan

As the local planning authority, the council is required to consult on the plan proposals before the examination takes place. The consultation process ran from 12 December until 6 February 2019. This was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to raise concerns they had about the plan with regard to the content and how it has been prepared. An independent examiner has been appointed and any concerns will be passed on to them for consideration as part of the examination process.

The Broadwindsor Group (including Burstock and Seaborough) Neighbourhood Plan is available to read together with the supporting documents which are as follows:

A hard copy of the plan is available at County Hall, Dorchester and at Beaminster Library. Broadwindsor Parish Council also has copies available, the Parish Clerk can be contacted if you want to arrange to see them. The Parish Clerk contact details hello@broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk or on the Broadwindsor Parish website.

The plan and the supporting documents can also be viewed on the Broadwindsor Parish website