The consultation documentation
This Consultation
explores how Dorset could grow and develop between 2026 and 2043.
It will affect everyone in Dorset. So, it is important to let Dorset Council know your views.
The online documentation comprises an:-
Options Consultation 2025 main document,
4 Appendices that detail sites that could be affected and
an interactive online Questionnaire. Links to these document follow.
It is also possible to obtain pdf versions of the documents. Dorset Council would prefer you to respond using the online versions of the Questionnaire, but it is still possible to respond by letter or email.
The consultation document and appendices (containing the site options)
Dorset Council Local Plan Options Consultation 2025 main document.
Appendix A: Opportunity sites for housing .
Sites for Wimborne and Colehill start at page 486
Appendix B: Opportunity sites for employment.
Sites for Ferndown start at page 15. There are no sites for Wimborne
Appendix C: Opportunity sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. A site for Corfe Mullen is at page 20.
Appendix D: Opportunity areas for renewable energy.
Interactive maps
You can find interactive maps of the opportunity sites using Dorset Explorer.
Here you can view the opportunity areas for housing, by selecting 'Local plans', then 'Dorset Council Local Plan options consultation 2025' in the Layers menu, and then opening 'Housing opportunity sites'.
Other uses are similar.
Repond Online by 13th October 2025
There is a video on the Overview page which shows how to respond online.
Tell Dorset Council what you think of the strategic proposal using the online Questionnaire.
Commenting on specific sites is done from the main consultation by selecting "Opportunity sites/areas for housing, employment, Gypsies and travellers, and renewable energy." when you get to the end of any section.
Drop-in events
You can talk to the Doset Council planners at one of the
events they are holding during September and October.
There will be one in the Allendale Centre, Wimborne on Wednesday 1 October between 1:30pm and 5:30pm
Alternative formats
If you are unable or unwilling to respond online please use the following response forms. Don't worry they all look the same at the start!
main document response form.
sites response form.
omission sites response form.
Note: there is also a Local Transport Plan consultation
Contact Planning Policy (Local Plan Consultation)
Spatial Planning Team
Dorset County Council,
County Hall,
Colliton Park,
Dorchester
DT1 1XJ
Email: planningpolicyconsult@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Responses returned by post should reference the Dorset Council Local Plan Consultation 2025
Tel: 01305 838334