Motcombe residents will now have influence over development in their local area after Dorset Council’s cabinet ‘made’  –  adopted – the parish’s neighbourhood plan in December 2019.

The neighbourhood plan was prepared by the community of Motcombe. A referendum took place on the plan in November 2019. Just under 80 per cent of those who voted chose Dorset Council to use the neighbourhood plan to help decide planning applications in the parish.

John Sellgren, Executive Director of Place, Dorset Council said: ‘We would like to congratulate Motcombe Parish Council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group for producing this neighbourhood plan.

‘Planning involves balancing needs and interests, and this plan reflects the community’s vision for the future of Motcombe. It also provides them with a say in future planning decisions for the parish.’

The plan identifies locally valued facilities (including the 1997 flood alleviation scheme) and green spaces for protection. Proposals include improved sport and recreation facilities and improved parking provision for the school. The plan also sets out how much and what type of housing is needed, and potential sites where these homes could be built. The plan recognises the diversity of employment in the parish, and how employment needs can continue to be met.

The plan sets out how new development can make a positive contribution to Motcombe’s character, in terms of styles, materials, landscaping etc, and the importance of the unlisted Estate Cottages in contributing to the local character. The plan also considers how the design of new development should cater from the car without detracting from the area’s rural character. It also proposes that a route is safeguarded from the Motcombe to Gillingham off-road cycleway.

The full plan can be viewed online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/motcombe-neighbourhood-plan

A paper copy can be read at South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester DT1 1UZ

The neighbourhood plan is part of the development plan for the Parish of Motcombe alongside other plans including the North Dorset Local Plan Part 1. Planning applications, which will be considered by Dorset Council, will be made in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.