THE final public consultation on a document that will help shape development in Purbeck until 2034 has started.

Consultation by Dorset Council for the Purbeck Local Plan started on Friday, November 13, as part of a process to ensure the document is legally sound and compliant with planning laws.

Once adopted, which first requires a decision on its legality by the Planning Inspectorate before a final decision by Dorset Council councillors, the plan will provide a blueprint of preferred sites for redevelopment within the district.

Earlier consultations on the details, which include preferred sites for new homes, employment and social infrastructure, have taken place in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

Sites for future preferred housing in the plan include provision for 490 homes at Moreton Station and Redbridge Pit, around 470 at Wool, 150 at Lytchett Matravers, 207 at Wareham, 40 at Swanage and 105 new homes at Bere Regis.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council portfolio holder for planning, said: "The former Purbeck District Council had progressed this plan significantly and we are looking forward to seeing its completion.

“The hard work of everyone concerned in getting this plan to this stage will be very useful for the Dorset Council Local Plan.”

Dorset Council say that the planning inspector, who is examining the local plan, has already stated she was ‘reasonably satisfied’ that, with the main modifications, the plan would be capable of being found legally compliant and sound.

The proposed main modifications are changes to the local plan policies and supporting text, Dorset Council officials say, that have been discussed during the local plan examination and are needed to make sure it complies with relevant planning laws and the tests for soundness outlined in national planning policy.

The council will be publishing a number of other documents that are connected to proposed modifications as part of the consultation.

A Dorset Council spokesman said: "The Purbeck Local Plan provides the framework for future planning decisions in Purbeck and sets out strategies for meeting the area’s need for homes, the land need to sustain Purbeck’s economy while conserving its special natural and built environment.

"The plan reflects the latest government policy and guidance. It also takes account of evidence relating to the local area that has been gathered over a number of years, and the views of local people expressed through earlier consultations carried out in 2015, 2016, 2018 and in the public hearing sessions held in 2019.

"The completed Purbeck Local Plan will inform work on the new Dorset Council Local Plan and provide the planning framework for development in the Purbeck area pending adoption of this new local plan.

"Consultation on the Dorset Local Plan is scheduled to start in the New Year."

Visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/plpmainmods to have your say on the latest consultation.

Responses must be made by 11.45pm on January 8 next year.