A NEW Local Plan for North Dorset has been given the green light by an independent inspector after five years in the making.

Planning Inspector David Hogger has sent his report to North Dorset District Council so it can go forward to be adopted.

The Local Plan sets out a long term planning strategy for the area and includes detailed policies and proposals for housing, employment, leisure and infrastructure.

It was submitted to the Government for examination in December 2014, following several stages of public consultation.

Public hearings took place in March 2015.

Mr Hogger concluded that the plan is an appropriate basis for the planning of the district, subject to a number of modifications, which were published for public consultation earlier this year.

Modifications included expanding the plan period from 15 to 20 years and the commitment to an early review of the plan starting by March 2016.

It also placed greater emphasis on the role of land around Shaftesbury, within Wiltshire Council area, to help meet the longer term needs of the town.

As well as a stronger commitment to monitoring the implementation of the southern extension to Gillingham and clarification of the council’s approach to the small scale expansion of employment sites in the countryside.

Cllr Deborah Croney, leader of North Dorset District Council, said: “The Local Plan gives us a firm basis on which to take forward the development of North Dorset alongside the communities within the district.”

Cllr David Walsh, North Dorset District Council’s planning portfolio holder, said: "Publication of the inspector's report is one of the final parts of a process which has lasted for five years and which has involved a significant amount of work.

"Many people have been involved in this process of public consultation including councillors, staff, members of the local community and a range of organisations. I would like to thank them all for their important contributions."

The plan will now go to the district council’s cabinet and full council in the New Year and will be recommended for adoption.

The full report is available at dorsetforyou.com/planning/north-dorset/planning-policy and can be viewed at North Dorset District Council’s offices in Blandford.