Swanage Neighbourhood Plan Community Engagement Launched

Swanage Town Council is pleased to announce the commencement of informal community engagement on the Draft Swanage Neighbourhood Plan. This marks an important milestone in the development of a community-led planning document that will guide future development and land use in Swanage for the next 15 years. It is an opportunity for your views and feedback to influence this moving document, ahead of a future referendum on the final plan. 

What is a Neighbourhood Plan? 

A Neighbourhood Plan is a statutory planning document prepared by the local community, which sets out policies and priorities for land use and development within a defined area. Once adopted, it becomes part of the Development Plan for the Dorset Council area and must be considered in planning decisions. 

The Swanage Neighbourhood Plan will: 

• Reflect the community’s vision for the town 

• Support sustainable growth 

• Protect valued green spaces and heritage assets

• Encourage well-designed development 

• Help deliver new community facilities 

• Promote climate change mitigation 

Why now? 

The existing Swanage Local Plan, adopted in 2017, only covers the period to 2027. With Dorset Council preparing a new Dorset Local Plan, it is timely to develop a Neighbourhood Plan that ensures Swanage’s specific needs and aspirations are represented in future planning decisions. 

How Can You Get Involved? 

We invite all residents, businesses, landowners, and stakeholders to participate in shaping the Draft Plan by providing feedback through the following channels: 

• Complete the online survey:  https://www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/swanage-neighbourhood-plan/surveys/swanage-neighbourhood-plan-survey. 

• Request a paper copy: Available at the Swanage Information Centre and Town Hall, or by emailing dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.  

• Attend a drop-in event: Meet the team, view maps, and discuss the proposals in person. 

• Join the Steering Committee: A vacancy is open for a community representative. To express interest, please email admin@swanage.gov.uk with your contact details and a brief summary of relevant experience. 

What happens next? 

Feedback from this informal engagement will inform the next stage of formal consultation, during which the Draft Plan will be shared with the community and statutory consultees. Following this, the Plan will be revised, submitted for independent examination, and ultimately subject to a local referendum.

To find out more please see: https://www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/swanage-neighbourhood-plan