A PLAN for the future of Weymouth, Portland and west Dorset has been given the green light.

The new Joint Local Plan has been found sound by the independent inspector, meaning that it can now go forward for adoption.

The local plan sets out a long-term planning strategy for the area up until 2031, and includes detailed policies and site proposals for housing, employment, leisure and infrastructure.

Planning inspector Paul Crysell has sent his report to the two councils, concluding that the plan is an appropriate basis for the planning of the district and borough, subject to a number of modifications.

Most of these modifications were published for public consultation earlier this year.

The plan was submitted to the government for examination in June 2013, following several stages of public consultation.

Public hearings took place in November and December 2014.

The inspector has not made any significant changes to the development proposals in the plan, which include sites at Weymouth, Littlemoor, Chickerell, Bridport and Crossways.

There are recommendations that the councils review the plan by 2021, looking again at the development potential of Dorchester and Sherborne in particular and the inspector has removed the reference to a Trunk Road Service Area as part of the park-and-ride site proposed south of Dorchester.

West Dorset District Council executive portfolio holder for planning, Cllr Ian Gardner, said: “The inspector’s report is a major step forward towards adoption of our new local plan. Its adoption should provide everyone with a better understanding of where the new development, providing the homes and jobs our area need, is planned.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council environment and sustainability briefholder, Cllr Ian Roebuck, said: “The inspector’s report represents the final stage of a long process, involving councillors, staff, members of the public and other organisations.

“I would like to thank all those in our communities who have participated in this process by writing in their comments, coming to consultation events and appearing at the public examination hearings – all of this input has helped to shape the final plan.”

The plan will now go to the borough council’s Management Committee and district council’s Executive Committee in September and October, and full council meetings on October 15 and 22, recommended for adoption. The inspector's report is available online.

The inspector’s report is available at dorsetforyou.com/InspectorsReport/West/Weymouth and can be viewed at the both South Walks House in Dorchester and North Quay offices in Weymouth.