Dorset, Political | Posted on October 14th, 2025 | return to news

Dorset Council extends Local Plan deadlines

A problem with the online consultation platform and the huge response from local people has persuaded the council to extend the deadlines.

Such has been the enormous public response to Dorset Council’s Local Plan and Local Transport Plan that the authority has extended the deadlines.

In addition, there have been some problems with the online consultation platform.

The Local Transport Plan consultation will now close on Monday 20 October and the Local Plan consultation will close on Friday 31 October.

The two consultations, which are running simultaneously, have generated significant interest from across the county, but residents have said that the online surveys are very slow to load which has made it difficult for some people to submit their views.

The council has apologised to residents who have been frustrated by the complexity and time to complete the survey. It has extended the deadline to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to take part.

Jan Britton, Dorset Council’s executive director responsible for planning and transport, said: “We’re really encouraged by the level of interest in both consultations; it shows how much people care about the future of Dorset. We’re sorry that some residents have experienced issues accessing the online platform, and we want to make sure no one is prevented from having their say.

“That’s why we’re keeping both consultations open online and by email for longer. “We’re also reminding people that alternative formats are available. As well as sending their comments by email, residents can use the Easy Read versions of both plans, which are available on our website as we want to make sure the process is accessible to everyone.”

Residents can continue to respond via the council website: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-is-changing.

By email: Local Plan: planningpolicyconsult@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Local Transport Plan: ltp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Alternative formats and Easy Read documents are available on the Dorset Council website or by request via the email addresses above.

The council is encouraging residents to respond as soon as possible and not leave it until the final days, as high demand may continue to affect access.