Major Development Plans Around Dorchester and Poundbury

The Dorset Council Local Plan consultation closes 13 October 2025—now is the time to comment on the significant proposed changes

Dorset Council has published its Local Plan consultation setting out how the area should develop over the next 17 years. The scale is significant: 55,182 new homes are required between 2026 and 2043—an 81% increase from previous targets, reflecting new government housing requirements.

Affecting Poundbury's general area, key changes are proposed:

North Dorchester Garden Community: A new development of approximately 3,500 homes north of Dorchester, designed as a "garden community" with supporting infrastructure including schools, employment space, and community facilities. The site lies immediately north of the town, approximately one kilometre from Dorchester's centre.

Area South of Holmead Walk: The planners have also identified a specific site south of Holmead Walk, by the Community Farm and allotments, for potential development consideration. This area includes valued green spaces that the Poundbury community may wish to comment on during the consultation process.

Flexible Settlements Policy: Dorset Council proposes removing existing settlement boundaries and introducing a new policy allowing developments of up to 30 homes adjacent to sustainable settlements, subject to meeting specified criteria.

Heritage and Landscape Considerations

The Council's Heritage Impact Assessment acknowledges that development will affect views to and from Poundbury Camp (a Scheduled Ancient Monument) and Dorchester Conservation Area. The assessment concludes the development "will not physically impact the scheduled ancient monument or fundamentally affect its primary heritage significance," though it notes changes to setting and views.

Policy Context and Questions

The housing numbers derive from the government's revised Standard Method for calculating local housing need—a significant increase reflecting national housing policy priorities. This raises important questions worth considering:

• How do these requirements relate to demographic trends, including the UK's declining birth rate (1.49 children per woman, well below replacement level)?

• What role should retrofitting and repurposing existing buildings play alongside new construction?

• How can development best respond to an aging population's needs?

• What lessons can be learned from Poundbury's approach to incremental, design-led development?

Poundbury represents a particular approach to development—quality-focused, human-scale, and integrated with local character. The proposed changes offer an opportunity to consider how future development can build on these principles while meeting identified housing needs.

The Consultation Process

The consultation invites views on all aspects of the proposals. Key areas for consideration include:

• The scale and location of proposed development

• Design and heritage protection measures

• Infrastructure provision and timing

• The flexible settlements policy approach

• Alternative approaches to meeting housing needs

Consultation closes: 13 October 2025

Respond at: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-is-changing

The Council encourages online responses, and paper forms are also available. All comments will inform the next stage of plan preparation.

Engagement Matters

Local plans guide development decisions for many years once adopted. This consultation represents the primary opportunity for communities to influence how their areas develop and ensure local knowledge and values are reflected in planning policy.

The proposals represent significant change for our area. Whether you support, oppose, or have suggestions for improvements, the Council needs to hear diverse community views to develop the best possible plan.

The consultation is open to all residents and stakeholders. Your input can help shape how our community develops for the next generation.

These proposals will affect our area for decades to come. Please consider participating in this important consultation process.