Update Issued on Portland Neighbourhood Plan Review
An update has been published on the review of the Portland Neighbourhood Plan, setting out progress made to date and explaining a temporary pause in the formal review process.
The Neighbourhood Plan, which guides development and decision-making on the Island, is currently under review to ensure it reflects changing local priorities and aligns with wider planning policy. However, the review has now been paused until mid-2026, when updated housing and development targets are expected to be confirmed as part of the new Local Plan period.
In the meantime, the Neighbourhood Plan group has published an overview summary of work completed so far, to keep residents informed and maintain transparency.
Reviewing Existing Aims and Objectives
As part of the review, the group has examined the existing aims and objectives of the Plan. These cover key themes including:
• Environment
• Business and Employment
• Housing
• Transport
• Shopping and Services
• Community Recreation
• Sustainable Tourism
These themes reflect long-standing community priorities, such as protecting Portland’s distinctive character, supporting local businesses, meeting housing needs, improving transport options, and realising the Island’s leisure and tourism potential in a sustainable way.
Proposed Updates Reflect Community Priorities
Draft updated aims and objectives have been developed following this review, with amendments intended to better reflect current community opinion and priorities.
The proposed updates place a stronger emphasis on:
• Protecting internationally and regionally significant wildlife areas
• Enhancing biodiversity and reducing the carbon footprint of new development
• Managing coastal erosion and flooding in line with shoreline plans
• Safeguarding heritage buildings, marine facilities, and settlement character
• Encouraging high-quality design through a local design code
• Supporting employment, training, digital connectivity, and new enterprise
• Promoting sustainable, accessible housing while managing second-home development
• Improving public transport, walking, cycling, and low-carbon travel options
• Protecting shops, services, parks, and community facilities
• Supporting health, wellbeing, and facilities for young people
Why the Review Is Paused
While this work has progressed, the Neighbourhood Plan cannot be finalised until updated development targets are issued through the Local Plan. These targets will define how much development Portland is expected to accommodate over the next plan period.
The review will therefore resume in mid-2026, once this information is available, allowing the Neighbourhood Plan to remain compliant and robust.
Keeping the Community Informed
The Neighbourhood Plan group has stressed that publishing this summary now is intended to keep residents informed, demonstrate the work undertaken to date, and provide a clear foundation for the next stage of the review.
Further updates and opportunities for community engagement will be shared once the review process restarts.