Dorset Council

Planning in the Dorset Council Area.

Permitted development rules, key planning statistics, and local guidance for homeowners in the Dorset Council area.

Key statistics

Planning numbers for Dorset Council.

~6,000
Planning applications (annual)
8–10 weeks
Average decision time
~87%
Approval rate
Extensive
AONB coverage
Average extension cost
£40,000–£70,000

Permitted development

What you can build without planning permission.

Dorset Council covers a large rural area with many villages in conservation areas and AONBs (Dorset AONB, Cranborne Chase AONB). Permitted Development rights may be restricted in these areas — always check before assuming PD applies.

Areas covered

Towns and villages in the Dorset Council area.

Official resource

Dorset Council planning portal.

For official planning guidance, application forms, and local plan policies, visit the Dorset Council planning portal.

Local questions

Planning FAQs for Dorset Council.

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