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Dorset Council Parking Survey
Since 2021/22, we’ve operated a 3-tier parking tariff and updated our permit system. Now, we’re reviewing how well these changes are working for residents, workers, businesses, and visitors. This survey focuses on how you use our car parks, how aware you are of the permits available, and whether the current system meets your needs. We’re especially keen to learn: how and when you use Dorset Council car parks what types of...
Pleasure Boat, Vessel and Boatperson Licensing Policy Consultation
Dorset Council is proposing to introduce a new policy for the licensing of Pleasure Boats, Vessels and Boatpersons. A new draft Policy has been prepared by officers for consultation. The policy is intended to give a fair, consistent and equitable approach across the Dorset Council area. This would give the Council, as Licensing Authority greater control over the licensing of pleasure craft and ensure that all operators and boatpersons are subject to the same application,...
Marnhull Neighbourhood Plan 2024 to 2038
Marnhull Parish Council has prepared a neighbourhood plan. Dorset Council must now arrange for its independent examination. Before the examination, Dorset Council is consulting on the neighbourhood plan for a period of 6 weeks. This is a regulation 16 consultation and will take place between 8 August and 19 September 2025 (inclusive). Representations made at this stage can include a request to be notified of Dorset Council's decision under regulation 19 in relation to the...
Dorset National Landscape Management Plan Consultation
Dorset Council and its partners in the Dorset National Landscape Partnership have a statutory responsibility for reviewing and developing a 5-year management plan for the landscape. These are plans for the Dorset National Landscape Partnership and team, individual partner organisations, farmers and landowners, communities and businesses. The purpose is to set out how we all may contribute towards the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty in this special area. A new draft plan has...
Dorset and BCP Councils Local Transport Plan Survey
We’re creating a new Local Transport Plan (LTP) that will guide how people and goods move around Dorset and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area from 2026 to 2041. This joint plan between Dorset Council and BCP Council sets out a long-term vision to make travel easier, safer and more inclusive. The plan looks at how we can improve travel choices, reduce congestion, cut pollution, and make it easier for people to get to work, school, healthcare and leisure. It...
Dorset Council Call for Sites
Please use this online form to submit sites for assessment by the Council. Whilst the Dorset Council 'call for sites' 2024 is now closed, sites that may have potential for new homes (including for the settled and Traveller communities), and employment development can still be submitted through this online form. We will be assessing submissions received before 20 December 2024, in 2025. Sites submitted after 20 December 2024 will likely be assessed at a later date. Please note:...
Closed consultations and engagement
Housing Allocation Policy Consultation
The Council has a public law duty to operate a Housing Allocation Scheme, like all local authorities. This scheme explains how to register for housing, how applications are assessed, and how properties are allocated. Dorset Council is required to periodically review its Housing Allocation Scheme. The current housing allocation scheme was introduced in 2021. The Council intends to amend its Housing Allocation Schemes, so that it continues to meet legal...
Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) 2025
A Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is a statement of needs in relation to pharmaceutical services. It is a key tool for NHS England to decide how to commission pharmaceutical services and aid in the consideration of applications to join the pharmaceutical list for the area. Every Health and Wellbeing Board is required to assess the need for pharmaceutical services in its area and to publish a PNA. The Dorset Health and Wellbeing Board and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole...
Model Byelaws consultation
There are currently several Byelaws for the regulation of businesses and practitioners who undertake skin piercing practices. Currently, we have different parts of the county following different rules. The Legacy Councils (East Dorset District Council, North Dorset District Council and Purbeck District Council) have Byelaws regulating Ear Piecing, Electrolysis, Tattooing and Acupuncture. West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council however use newer...