About
Development Control
The Council is required by the Town and Country Planning Acts to
control development within its area. The effect of the service is
to regulate change in the use and appearance of the environment and
to support the Council’s long term vision of promoting thriving
communities in balance with the natural environment. The Community
Planning and Policy Team and the Development Control Teams are
mainly responsible for these functions of the Council. These teams
work closely with others in the Council notably the Environmental
Services Team and the Licensing Team.
The Community
Planning and Policy team deals with planning policy and
is responsible for the preparation of the Purbeck District Local
Plan and the new Local Development Framework. It also has
specific responsibilities for conservation and design, trees and
hedgerows, and for housing strategy, economic development, tourism
and community safety.
The Development Control team operates to control
development under the Town and Country Planning Acts.
The Development Control Team is responsible for
dealing with all planning applications including applications for
listed building consent, conservation area consent and
advertisements. The exceptions are applications for mineral
extractions and waste disposal which are dealt with by Dorset
County Council. This team is also able to offer advice and
information concerning development proposals and has the
responsibility for the enforcement of planning control.
Planning Aid provides free, independent and
professional advice and support on planning issues to people and
communities who cannot afford to hire a planning consultant.
For more information visit the Planning Aid
Website (external link), or ring 0870 850 9807.
For more information please contact the planning department
on 01929 557270, or for more specific contact details please
use the following link to view our 'Who To
Contact' page.