The West Dorset District Local Plan was adopted in July 2006 and helps to guide development in the area until 2016. The local plan went through a public inquiry process and was examined by an independent inspector. Supplementary planning guidance provides additional information to understand local plan policies for specific sites or issues (see current local plan page for more information).

Under the 2004 national planning system, district councils are preparing a series of planning policy documents, to form the Local Development Framework (LDF). West Dorset District Council has started work on some of the documents that make up the LDF in West Dorset.

However, the Coalition Government has announced there will be changes to the development plan system.

• West Dorset District Council - Local Plan

  The current West Dorset District Local Plan, which contains policies and proposals for development and use of land in West Dorset, was adopted by the council on 14 July 2006.

• Other relevant plans and strategies

  In addition to the West Dorset District Local Plan the development plan for the area is made up of the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Structure Plan, the Waste Local Plan, and the Dorset Minerals (and Waste) Local Plan.

• West Dorset local development framework

  Under the national planning system introduced in 2004, district councils are required to prepare a series of planning policy documents that make up a Local Development Framework (LDF).

• New Planning System

  The Coalition Government has promised to radically reform the planning system to give local people far more ability to determine the shape of the places in which they live.