Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan

Following a 'yes' vote in the referendum on 9 February 2017, North Dorset District Council officially 'made' the Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan on 21 February 2017.

As the majority of Shillingstone residents who voted in the referendum were in favour of the District Council using the neighbourhood plan to help make planning decisions in the Shillingstone parish area, North Dorset District Council has taken the decision at Full Council to make the Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan part of the development plan for the Shillingstone neighbourhood area.

The Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan and the Decision Statement (Making) are available to view online and can also be inspected at the North Dorset District Council Offices, Nordon, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7LL (8.45am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.00pm on Friday).

Referendum

Following the successful examination of the Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan, North Dorset District Council agreed to enable the plan, as amended, to proceed to referendum. The referendum was held on 9 February 2017. On the basis of a turnout of almost 33% of those registered to vote, the result was that 263 people voted in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan and 36 voted against.

Examination

The Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan was examined by an independent examiner, Mr Brian Dodd. In accordance with The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011) and related regulations, the examiner considered in particular whether the plan meets certain basic conditions, satisfies legal requirements, and identifies an appropriate area for a referendum.

The basic conditions, which are set out in the legislation, are intended to ensure that neighbourhood plans are compatible with their wider context. The plan must:

have regard to national planning policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State
contribute to achieving sustainable development
be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan for the area North Dorset local planning policy and
be compatible with EU obligations and human rights requirements

Examiner's report

The examiner concludes that provided the recommendations in his report are followed the plan would meet the basic conditions. He therefore recommends that the plan, as modified, should proceed to a referendum.