General advice on planning constraints
Dorset is a county with a very varied geology and range of landscapes, plus one of the highest concentrations of archaeological features and areas of national or international importance for nature conservation in the country.
The range of features contribute to its scenic value and make it exceptional for its biodiversity but Dorset is consequently one of the most constrained counties in southern England when looking at the scope for possible new built development.
Applicants and their agents are advised to seek detailed and specific advice at the earliest possible stages about the range of planning constraints that affect an area where they are considering development proposals.Dorset Explorer (opens in a new window) can provide an initial overview but you are advised to contact the relevant planning authority for site specific information.
Dorset's rural environment includes:
Similarly, its developed areas includes more than 9,500 listed buildings (buildings or structures of national importance for their architectural or historical interest) and 190 conservation areas protected for their special architectural or historic interest.
The range of planning constraints that may need to be taken into account in relation to developments includes the following:
AONBs have been confirmed by the Government as having the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty.
Dorset has many attractive villages and other areas of special architectural or historic interest.
Many areas of land have become contaminated by the residues left behind by activities such as mining, waste disposal and general industrial processes.
Major revisions to the planning system in England have brought about important changes in the way it deals with development and flood risk
The South East Dorset Green Belt extends over some 168 square kilometres of open land in and around Upton, Wimborne, Ferndown, Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch and stretching south-west as far as Wareham.
The West Dorset coast forms part of a World Heritage site.
Monuments and areas deemed to be of national importance are protected as scheduled monuments. Consent must be obtained from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for works affecting scheduled monuments.
Control over listed buildings is a function exercised by the district and borough councils.
Within Dorset ball clay is designated as a nationally important mineral - as a scarce, high quality resource that needs to be safeguarded.
Any development proposal has the potential to have an impact on conservation sites and protected species, either directly or indirectly.
There are almost 3,000 miles of public rights of way in Dorset, made up of approximately 4,700 footpaths, 1,700 bridleways and 37 byways open to all traffic.
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended) provides that certain, specified types of development are 'deemed' to have planning permission by virtue of the order - without the need for separate application for planning permission.
Many trees are protected by tree preservation orders (TPOs) which means that, in general, you need the consent of your district or borough council to prune or fell them
Developer contributions are now being sought towards efforts to mitigate the impacts of additional development on the highway network in south east Dorset.
