In a referendum of voters in Stinsford parish held on 5th May 2022, the draft neighbourhood plan received an overwhelming vote of approval, by 113 votes to 11. The turnout was 47.5% of the electorate.
The parish council and the plan steering group were naturally delighted with the result, and would like to thank all the residents who contributed their views during the preparation of the plan, and all the volunteers who helped to compile it.  A debt of enormous gratitude is also due to Jo Witherden, the local planning consultant who  supported the parish volunteers to achieve a professional and well received plan.
Final authorisation of the plan was granted by Dorset  Council, who 'made' the plan by a resolution at their Cabinet meeting in June 2022.

The plan's steering group were very pleased to receive encouraging comments from the plan's independent examiner, Andrew Mead. He commended the Parish Council, the Steering Group and other voluntary contributors for producing a professionally presented and well-illustrated Plan, which he found logical, well-structured and very informative.

The examiner went on to say that “(t)he high quality of the Plan is demonstrated by the very small number of recommended modifications. With those modifications, the Stinsford Neighbourhood Plan will make a positive contribution to the Development Plan for the area and, notwithstanding the challenges faced by the possible northern expansion of Dorchester, should enable the unique and diverse character and appearance of Stinsford Parish to be maintained.”

The steering group is very grateful to everyone who contributed to the plan. Many local people attended meetings, took part in surveys, or sent in ideas, comments, photographs and local information. The group hopes that the plan does justice to their efforts and  to their appreciation for the parish.

We received the Examiner's first reaction today, and have published his letter on our 'emerging policy' page. We are encouraged that, so far, he has not found any major flaws in the plan. However he is still likely to raise questions, which will need to be satisfactorily answered, before the plan can complete its process. We will continue to keep you updated via this website and the parish magazine.

Dorset Council's 'Regulation 16' consultation is now open, until the end of Wednesday 24th November. Please visit their web page to see the plan and supporting documents, and to take part in the consultation.

 
On 1st October Dorset Council notified us that we had complied with the requirements for Stinsford Neighbourhood Plan to go forward to its next stage. Dorset Council will publicise the draft plan for a minimum of six weeks, starting around mid-October, and will then submit the plan for independent examination. You can see the draft plan and supporting documents on our 'emerging policy' and 'evidence base' pages.

 Stinsford Parish Council will have its final say about the parish's draft Neighbourhood Plan on Monday 6th September. The plan has been prepared over the last three years by a working group made up of local volunteers and some members of the parish council. The policies in the plan have been designed, and subsequently modified, based on a series of consultation events and surveys in the parish. The working group has been supported by some expert planning help, funded by grants from the government's neighbourhood planning unit.

The plan which Stinsford Parish Council will be considering can be seen here. More details of what happens next are on our Emerging Policy page.

The period for comments on our draft neighbourhood plan closes on Tuesday 27th April. The plan seeks to protect the special environment north and east of Dorchester, and to provide for limited development to meet local people’s needs.

The draft plan can be seen here,  or as a summary or hard copy to borrow via local contacts who are listed here and on parish noticeboards. Comments can be submitted online, or by post to SNP Group, c/o Stinsford Parish Clerk, 57 Louise Road, Dorchester DT1 2LU, or by email to [email protected]. Only a week to go ...

The Parish Council will consider all the comments sent in and will update the plan. There is then a scrutiny by the planning authorities, and finally a local referendum before it can be adopted as policy. Now is the time to have your say!

During the Covid-19 period the neighbourhood plan steering group meets online, as and when required. Please get in touch with us at stinsfordnplan[at]gmail[dot]com  if you are interested in helping out.  .