Residents invited to vote on Weymouth Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan

Residents in Weymouth will soon have the opportunity to vote on a proposed neighbourhood plan developed by Weymouth Town Council.

Following an independent examination, Dorset Council has confirmed that the plan can proceed to referendum. The vote will take place on Thursday 11 December 2025, and residents must be registered to vote by Monday 25 November 2025 to take part.

The Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan was created by local people and the town council to reflect the community’s aspirations for how land and buildings are used in Weymouth. If supported at referendum, the plan will help shape future planning decisions in Weymouth, alongside national and local planning policies.

What is a neighbourhood plan?

Neighbourhood plans were introduced under the Localism Act 2011 to give communities more influence over planning decisions in their area. They can identify preferred locations for new homes, shops or offices, and highlight green spaces that should be protected.

If the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan is approved by voters, it will be used to guide planning decisions in the town.

Cllr Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, said:

“A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in the formation of this plan. It is the culmination of dedicated work by the town council, local groups and the people of Weymouth.

“Neighbourhood plans reflect a community’s vision for the future of their area and provide Weymouth residents with a voice in the planning process. Please do take the time to take part in this final stage.

“Residents will need to ensure they are on the electoral roll if they intend to vote in this referendum.”

How to vote

The referendum will be conducted in the same way as a local election. All registered voters will receive a polling card, and can vote in person, by post or by proxy.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 11 December 2025. Locations are listed below.

To vote in person, you must bring accepted photo ID. If you don’t have one, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on Wednesday 3 December 2025: Apply for voter ID.

Postal and proxy voting

To vote by post or proxy in this referendum, you will need to have filled in and returned an application form. 
Postal and proxy vote application forms are available online or by emailing the Electoral Services team or calling 01305 838299.

Applications to vote by post must be received by 5pm on 26 November 2025. To vote by proxy, application forms should be received by 5pm on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

Questions can be emailed to: neighbourhoodplanning@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Alternatively, they can be posted to: Spatial Planning, County Hall, Colliton Park Dorchester DT1 1XJ.

Viewing the plan

The full Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan and supporting documents are available to view online.

Printed copies are also available at Council Offices, Colliton Park, Dorchester and at Weymouth, Littlemoor and Wyke Regis Libraries.

Polling station list

• St Edmunds Church Hall, Lanehouse Rocks Road, DT4 9HZ
• Redlands Leisure & Community Park - Dorchester Road, DT3 5AW
• St Francis of Assisi Church Hall, Merredin Close, DT3 6SJ
• Littlemoor Community Centre - Canberra Road, DT3 6AH
• Spyglass Inn (Harvester), Bowleaze Coveway, DT3 6PN
• Mission Hall, Mission Hall Lane, DT3 6LY
• The Park Community Centre - Chelmsford Street, DT4 7HP
• Baptist Church Hall, 18 The Esplanade, DT4 8DT
• Radipole URC Church Hall - Roman Road, Radipole, DT3 5EN
• Southill Community Centre, 137 Radipole Lane, DT4 9SS
• Hope United Reformed Church, Trinity Street, Weymouth, DT4 8TW
• The Old Castle Hotel, 5 Sudan Road, Weymouth, DT4 9LB
• Moose Lodge, 137 Chickerell Road, DT4 0QU
• Weymouth Scout HQ, Rylands Lane, DT4 9PY
• All Saints Memorial Hall, Chamberlaine Road, DT4 9EX
• Wyke Regis Community Centre - Ryemead Lane, DT4 9NS
• Dorset Close Centre, Dorset Close, Weymouth, DT4 0PU
• Weymouth West Air Scout Group, Granby Close, DT4 0SR
• Cornerstone Church, Cromwell Road, DT4 0JS
• Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, Knightsdale Road, DT4 0HS.