Residents urged to take survey in bid to shape Weymouth’s future

‘As Weymouth continues to grow, people have a golden opportunity to help shape its future, including what sort of development and where it should be, protecting our green spaces, and improving cycle routes.’ 

That’s the message from Cllr David Northam, Chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, which is tasked with working with residents to draw up Weymouth’s Neighbourhood Plan. This will become a key policy document that is used to make decisions about future planning decisions in the area over the next 17 years, so it’s vital that people have a say on it now.  

After a positive response to a consultation held this summer, the Steering Group is today launching a survey to ask key questions on land use, as there needs to be a balance between protecting important community and natural spaces and identifying land for future homes and jobs. 

They also want residents’ views on what can be done to address affordable housing provision, and how Weymouth can address the climate emergency by giving views on things like whether new developments should be carbon neutral, enhance biodiversity and be energy efficient. 

The survey opens today for a two-week period until Tuesday 31st January. The results will be analysed and fed into the draft Neighbourhood Plan document. This will be published later in 2023 for formal consultation. 

Cllr David Northam said: “This is about creating a neighbourhood plan that reflects the rich history, heritage and character of Weymouth going forward but also ensures it feels owned by the residents. It will affect everyone who lives or works in the town, and it is vital that people have their say as this will guide future planning policy for the next 17 years.  

“It will help us to produce a plan that best reflects the views of Weymouth’s various communities, and so I would urge residents to complete our online survey today and share with five friends, colleagues, or family members to have a say too.” 

As well as the online survey, paper copies are available at libraries in Weymouth, and the Weymouth Information Shop.  

For more details on Weymouth’s Neighbourhood Plan and all the supporting documents to help with the background to this survey, visit the website. 

ENDS 

Notes to Editors 

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