1.1 Neighbourhood plans were introduced by the Localism Act 2011. They give local communities the opportunity to develop a shared vision for their area. They can help to shape, direct and deliver sustainable development, by influencing local planning decisions as part of the statutory Development Plan. Neighbourhood plans must have regard to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other national advice and guidance. They must also be in general conformity with strategic policies for the area including policies relating to sustainable development and economic, social and environmental priorities1. In addition, neighbourhood plans must be compatible with legal obligations relating to the protection of the environment2.
1.2 A basic conditions statement3 has been prepared, setting out how this has been achieved. Inevitably this document includes a number of terms commonly used by planners and developers but which may be unfamiliar to most of us. We have included a glossary (Appendix A) to explain or more clearly define some of the terms used. A list of all the documents compiled as part of the evidence base supporting this plan is contained in Appendix B
1.3 In 2015 Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council (YRIPC) approved a Parish Plan with the aim of bringing together the views, needs and opinions of the whole community. In October 2015 the Parish Council took this process a step further and, as the Qualifying Body4 , initiated a Neighbourhood Plan covering the civil parishes of Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca. West Dorset District Council5 approved the preparation of the plan and designated the area on 13 June 2016. Volunteers were invited to be involved in preparing the plan and a steering group, including a Parish Council representative, was set up. This group has used public discussions, questionnaires, an open day, a website, Facebook, and articles in the local Wriggle Valley Magazine to enable the community to help identify issues, define the vision, formulate objectives, identify land for development and set policies. More details on the various publicity and consultations that took place can be found in the accompanying Consultation Statement.
1.4 Initially the plan was to cover the period from 2017 to 2031 but subsequently the end date was extended to 2036 to coincide with a review of the West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan being undertaken by the Local Planning Authority (LPA)6.
1.5 There are six main sections in the Neighbourhood Plan, concerning (a) the environment; (b) climate change and water management; (c) community services and facilities; (d) housing; (e) business services and the economy; (f) traffic, road safety and transport. These themes were identified through the consultations in late 2016, with the environment theme split to look at climate change and water management separately. Each section describes the issues, defines the objectives and sets out policies. In addition, a separate list of projects has been compiled, and these are contained in Appendix C. These projects cannot be delivered through the planning system and therefore are not included as policies in the Neighbourhood Plan, but they reflect the aspirations of the community as expressed through the public consultation process.
1.6 The process for bringing the Neighbourhood Plan into force is set out in Government Regulations7. The Plan was subject to the required six-week pre-submission consultation in September / October 2020. Following this, modifications were made and in July 2021 the plan was submitted to Dorset Council as the Local Planning Authority (LPA) who were responsible for organising the plan’s examination and referendum. Dorset Council then publicised the plan and passed all representations to an independent examiner, Andrew Mead BSc (Hons) MRTPI MIQ.
1.7 The examiner’s role was limited to testing whether or not the draft plan meets the basic conditions, and other matters set out in legislation8. The examiner’s report was issued in December 2021, and concluded that, subject to a small number of recommended modifications (necessary to meet the Basic Conditions), the Plan could proceed to referendum.
1 NPPF 2021, paragraph 29.
2 The legal obligations that are of particular relevance concern Strategic Environmental Assessment and the conservation of natural habitats.
3 Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Neighbourhood Plan Basic Conditions Statement 2019, and updated 2021 at submission
4 Section 38(A)12 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as inserted by paragraph 7 of the Localism Act 2011).
5 West Dorset District Council: superseded by Dorset Council, April 2019
6 This has now been abandoned in favour of a Dorset-wide local plan
7 The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 as amended
8 Paragraph 8 of Schedule 4B to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and paragraph 055 of Government Guidance: Neighbourhood Plans (2018).
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