Anyone considering developing a site is advised to read its concept statement before starting pre-application discussions with the council's planning officers.

These statements are normally ready within 2-3 weeks of the council being aware that a site is becoming available.  The statements are based on a site analysis, urban design principles and adopted and draft planning policies. They usually cover:

• Access and circulation
• Acceptable land uses
• Basic layout principles
• Building form, scale and appearance
• Requirements of utilities and service providers

The statements may also have maps showing key site characteristics and possible problems plus potential layouts.  The type and range of information needed to support any planning application may also be listed.

Local ward councillors are involved in preparing each concept statement.  Copies of the final documents are sent to the town or parish council and local area partnership and added to this webpage. They are also seen by the council's policy development committee.

Concept statements are currently available for:

• Flaxhayes (north of Court Orchard, Bridport) in  Allington parish - relating to Policy WA16a of the adopted local plan
• Sherborne House mixed use area, Sherborne - relating to Policy NA4 of the adopted local plan. 
• Trinity Street mixed use area, Dorchester - relating to Policy EA16 of the adopted plan

These can be read by clicking on the links to the right of this page.

• Name: Local Policy (West Dorset)
  Email: local.policy@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 252386
  Fax: 01305 251481
  Full details for Local Policy (West Dorset)