The draft Dorset Harbours Strategy has been approved for public consultation and Dorset Council is now seeking views to build a strategy that is supported by communities and stakeholders.

The Harbours Strategy is being developed by Dorset Council to guide the development of Bridport, Lyme Regis and Weymouth harbours over the next 10 years.

Dorset Coast Forum has been working with the Harbours’ Committee to help develop this new strategy which will unify the three harbours under Dorset Council’s management while recognising the unique qualities of each harbour. An initial public consultation was carried out last autumn by Dorset Coast Forum.

Cllr Mark Roberts, chairman of the Dorset Council Harbours Committee said: “We are pleased with the progress of the draft strategy so far and now are urging people to get involved in helping us in finalising the Dorset Harbour Strategy. We are particularly keen to hear your views on the harbour’s strategic goals and the actions around achieving those goals. We need to ensure this strategy sets achievable aspirations on how the harbours are managed so that they can thrive and continue to be at the heart of our coastal towns.”

Once this feedback has been reviewed the final strategy is scheduled to be submitted to the Dorset Council Harbours Committee for approval in March 2022.

The online survey is open now and will close at midnight on 5 December 2021.

To download the Dorset Harbours draft strategy and complete the survey visit https://www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/dorset-harbours-strategy

Paper copies of the survey and strategy are available on request by contacting dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or 01305 224833 and can be collected from the Harbour Master Offices.