Working Together

Community planning is all about how we can work better together at all levels. Some issues are relevant to particular communities and are best addressed at that level. Some issues cannot be addressed in isolation and need the support of external organisations and agencies at District and County level. It may be a strategic issue such as transport or health that demands effective partnership working.

Within Purbeck we have a strong network of Parish Plans that address directly the issues within those parishes. Residents have devised action plans and work is well under way to reinvigorate community spirit. These plans will also enable communities to face the challenges that living in a rural area will bring in the future. These plans have gone a long way in providing us with the information on which we need to build the Community Plan for Purbeck on. If you would like to find out more about Parish and Town Plans and how you can become involved in your area, please contact the Community Projects and Sustainability Officer at Purbeck District Council on 01929 557384 or email: dianebemand@purbeck-dc.gov.uk.

At County level the Dorset Strategic Partnership has already set out its long-term plan for people and communities in a Community Strategy for Dorset. It is also in a position to drive forward issues that are of most concern to the people of Dorset at regional and national government levels more effectively. If you would like to find out more about the Community Strategy for Dorset please contact the Dorset Strategic Partnerships Manager at Dorset County Council on 01305 251000.

In September 2004 the Government introduced a new land use planning system. The principal aims of this new system are to make the planning process quicker, and simpler, and to enable the community to become more involved. Under this new system, the recently published Purbeck District Local Plan is being reviewed and replaced by a Local Development Framework. The Local Development Framework will be a key component in delivering the land use planning aspects of the Community Plan and the Town and Parish Plans.

A ‘Statement of Community Involvement’ (SCI) has been produced which sets out when the community can expect to be involved in the preparation of the Local Development Framework. For more information please contact the Purbeck District Council Senior Planning Officer on 01929 557264 or email: ldf@purbeck-dc.gov.uk