Crichel
A historic rural community within the vale's estate landscape.
About the plan
One rural landscape,
nine distinct communities.
The plan area follows the shared geography of the Vale of Allen, bringing neighbouring settlements together around a practical vision for future development.
The planning framework
Local priorities with statutory weight
Neighbourhood planning allows communities to prepare planning policies for their area. When brought into force, the Vale of Allen Neighbourhood Plan will form part of the statutory development plan used by Dorset Council when deciding planning applications.
The plan must meet national requirements and work alongside Dorset Council's strategic planning policies. It will use proportionate local evidence to address matters such as the scale and location of development, design, landscape, heritage and community needs.
The area lies within and around the setting of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Its nationally important landscape character, dark skies, biodiversity and historic environment are central considerations, guided by the National Landscape's planning guidance as well as local and national policy.
Designated area
Vale of Allen neighbourhood area
The red boundary marks the neighbourhood area designated for the Vale of Allen Neighbourhood Plan. Blue lines show Dorset parish boundaries.
The plan area
Our settlements
Each settlement brings its own character, history and priorities to the shared plan.
Gussage All Saints
A small village shaped by open countryside and ancient routes.
Gussage St Michael
A close-knit settlement with a strongly rural setting.
Hinton Martell
A village with valued historic buildings and landscape connections.
Hinton Parva
A small community set among the fields and lanes of the vale.
Stanbridge
A rural settlement connected by parish life and working land.
Long Crichel
A distinctive historic village within a broad agricultural setting.
Moor Crichel
A settlement whose identity is closely tied to its parkland and estate heritage.
Witchampton
A historic village with a conservation area and strong landscape character.
Get involved
Join the Steering Group
Volunteers from across the Vale of Allen are welcome to join the Steering Group or contribute to one of its five working groups. The Youth Working Group helps every theme align with young people's needs, while local knowledge, practical skills and time are valuable across the plan.