Neighbourhood Plan

In 2015 Shillingstone became one of the first villages in Dorset to have its own Neighbourhood Plan to influence and inform development in the village. The 'made' Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan (SNP) has a duration running from 2016 through to March 2031.

2025 Review

Although the 'made' Neighbourhood Plan runs until 2031, it was evident that the effectiveness of the SNP had diminished since it's adoption in 2016, and it was proposed that the Parish Council embark on a review, which is recommended at intervals up to every 5 years of it’s lifetime. The benefits of a refresh are:

• Keeps the plan up-to-date: Ensures alignment with current Local Plans and national policies.
• Reflects evolving community needs: Addresses changes in demographics, economy, and local priorities.
• Improves policy effectiveness: Allows for review and adjustment of existing policies based on evidence.
• Maintains community engagement: Provides opportunities to re-involve residents in shaping their area.
• Strengthens legal standing: Ensures the plan carries sufficient weight in planning decisions.
• Protects CIL benefits: Helps maintain eligibility for a higher share of Community Infrastructure Levy*. Currently developments within North Dorset developers contributions for infrastructure will be secured through a Section 106 agreement, not the Community Infrastructure Levy. This situation is expected to change with the future adoption of a Dorset-wide CIL in conjunction with the adoption of the future Dorset Council Local Plan.
• Avoids major revisions later: Regular updates prevent the need for more complex changes in the future.

On the 1st of May 2025, the Parish Council unveiled a reviewed version of the plan at the Annual Parish Meeting.

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

A neighbourhood plan allows communities to have a say in the future of the places where they live and work. It gives a level of decision making in producing a local plan with real legal weight that helps direct development in your local area. It can help you to:

• choose where you want new homes, shops and offices to be built
  
• have your say on what those new buildings should look like
  
• influence the granting of planning permission for the new buildings you want to see go ahead
  

Shillingstone's Roadmap to a Neighbourhood Plan

Parish Council sub-committee began drafting the neighbourhood plan in the summer of 2015 which was opened for consultation later that year.

In December 2016 the North Dorset District Council agreed to progress the proposed plan for local referendum.

In February 2017 Shillingstone held a referendum which was approved by 88% of the residents, with 299 votes cast.

On 21st February 2017 the Shillingstone neighbourhood plan was integrated into the overall development plan for North Dorset.

In May 2025 Shillingstone Parish Council unveiled the review of the SNP, kick-starting a 6 week consultation with the community.

The key plan documents are identified below; click on the document to download:-

Download Shillingstone Parish Neighbourhood Plan Review 2025

• Neighourhood_area_map
• Shillingstone_Neighbourhood_Plan__Parish_Map

• Neighbourhood_Plan_MADE_PLAN_170221_(2016 Version)

As of April 2025 there are now 38 Parish Councils in Dorset that have successfully seen their neighbourhood plans integrated into the development plans for the county (see map below).