Planning

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The Council’s Role in the Planning Process

Councillors, are NOT empowered  to either agree or decline Planning applications. However councils are involved, as a statutory consultee, in the planning process for each application that falls within their areas of responsibility insomuch that they are able to comment, support or raise objections based on Material Planning Considerations and make other comments to the Planning authorities.

The Local Planning Authority make their decisions based upon these Material Planning Considerations which include reference to national and local planning policies including the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan. & The Dorset Council Local Plan.

National Planning Policies are reflected in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which was updated in December 2023.

Each application is discussed among Councillors and a “corporate” response to each application is submitted to the Local Planning Authority and subsequently published on the Dorset planning applications website along with those from members of the public and others.

Current and recent applications can be found on the Planning Applications Page which is regularly updated. 

Developers, large or small, commercial or private, are encouraged to undertake pre-application consultation, see below**, and may wish to contact us for advice on how best to engage with the local community.

The dissolution of Bradpole Parish Council in 2024 will have serious consequences on the above. In December 2023 Bradpole Parish Councillors presented a recommendation to the then current Bridport Town Council that future Bradpole Ward Councillors be delegated with powers, as a committee of elected ward councillors, enabling them to undertake planning responses. This was contained in a paper on the future governance of Bradpole ward in the best interests of its residents.
It will be for the newly elected council in May 2024 to determine Governance guidelines for the new Bridport Council.

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Download a pdf version: BRADPOLE Defined Development Boundary

Community infrastructure Levy (CiL)

For some developments the developer, whether it be for one dwelling or many, is asked to pay a levy to the Local Authority, a proportion of which is passed on to the Town or Parish Council to help fund the local infrastructure.

Dorset Council information on Developers Contributions.

Dorset Council Guidelines regarding the spending of Community Infrastructure Levies.

Planning Application Search and Advice

Whilst most Planning decisions are made by delegated officers sometimes applications are called up to a full Planning Committee Meeting. When this happens members of the public may attend these meetings. If you have written to Dorset Council about a specific application you should receive a letter informing you of the committee date and inviting you to attend.

** If you are thinking of making a planning application Dorset Council offer pre-application advice and have a step~by~step guide, including fees, follow this link:

https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/planning-buildings-land/planning/pre-application-advice.aspx

When you submit a planning application there is some information that is a statutory requirement see: National & Local List of Requirements . 

Bradpole Ward has a number of areas of potential flood risk, planning applications close to these areas may require a FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT. The DEFRA website provides information for applicants.

For more Planning information and up to date news on this ever-changing subject have a look at:

UK Government Planning Permission

Planning portal

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