Local Planning

The Planning System can have significant impacts on the AONB. When making decisions affecting the area, The Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 places a statutory duty on the local authorities to have regard for the primary purpose of the AONB to “conserve and enhance natural beauty.”

The AONB Management Plan is a material consideration in the planning process and provides a framework to help guide local authorities in fulfilling their statutory duty, informing the development of local planning policy and influencing development control decisions.

Planning decisions within the AONB are made by the local planning authorities, not by the AONB Partnership. For advice on planning issues within the AONB, you can contact your local planning department:

West Dorset District.............................01305 251010
North Dorset District............................01258 454111
Purbeck District....................................01929 556561
Weymouth and Portland Borough......01305 761222

Planning Protocol

When making decisions that affect the AONB, the local planning authority may seek advice from the AONB Partnership under the Planning Protocol. To view comments submitted by the AONB team please refer to our consultations responses page.