Melbury Abbas & Cann community a step closer to adopting Neighbourhood Plan

A local community has taken a significant step closer to having greater influence over planning decisions in their area. 

Melbury Abbas & Cann Parish Council has submitted a new Neighbourhood Plan for independent examination. 

The plan has been drawn up by residents, and agreed by the parish council, who feel confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community.   

Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act 2011 and aim to give residents more say in the future use of land and buildings in their area. For example, the plan can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built, or what they should look like. Plans can also be used to protect features that the community value, such as locally important green spaces. 

If the Neighbourhood Plan is approved following examination, and supported by a local referendum, it will be used to inform decisions on planning applications in consultation with the National Planning Policy Framework and the adopted Local Plan.  

Dorset Council is required to consult on the draft plan before the examination can take place. 

People who live, work or run a business in the Melbury Abbas & Cann parish area have until Friday 30 May 2025 to submit comments regarding the proposed neighbourhood plan. The plan and any comments received will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider. 

Cllr Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: 

“It takes a tremendous amount of work in order to put together a Neighbourhood Plan. I congratulate all involved in getting to this stage. 

“Neighbourhood plans give local communities a real say in how their area should change over time. I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest in the future development of Melbury Abbas & Cann to view the plans and submit any feedback they may have.” 

The plan can be viewed online. The website can also be used for submitting comments. 

A paper copy of the Neighbourhood Plan will be available for public inspection at: Shaftesbury Library (open Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10am to 5pm, Thursday midday to 6pm, and Saturday 10am to 1pm). Another copy of the plan will be available to view at Melbury Motors, Cann Common during their normal opening hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:45pm). 

Anyone commenting on the plan should let the council know if they wish to be kept informed of its progress.