Shortfall in Dorset new homes supply
November 2025
National planning policy requires local authorities to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing land.
New figures confirm that Dorset Council cannot meet this requirement.
The council has identified a deliverable supply of 8,639 new homes, equivalent to just 2.53 years of housing land – well below the Government’s five-year target.
When councils cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, their local planning policies which direct the location of new homes become out of date. This creates greater opportunities for sustainable sites – such as those on the edges of towns and villages with access to services and amenities – to gain planning permission for new homes.
With Dorset Council currently unable to meet its five-year housing land supply, there is a window of opportunity for permission to be granted for new homes, even on sites in the Dorset Council area that have been previously refused.
If you are a landowner who would like advice on navigating this process, please contact the experienced team at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s development land and planning department.
The team has a wealth of in-depth knowledge on all aspects of planning procedures across the South West and can offer tailored advice to suit your particular circumstances and needs.
This could include site appraisals, planning feasibility studies and pre-application enquiries for various types of development.
For more information, please contact Planning Partner Stephen Baimbridge on 01823 334466 or email [email protected]
New figures confirm that Dorset Council cannot meet this requirement.
The council has identified a deliverable supply of 8,639 new homes, equivalent to just 2.53 years of housing land – well below the Government’s five-year target.
When councils cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, their local planning policies which direct the location of new homes become out of date. This creates greater opportunities for sustainable sites – such as those on the edges of towns and villages with access to services and amenities – to gain planning permission for new homes.
With Dorset Council currently unable to meet its five-year housing land supply, there is a window of opportunity for permission to be granted for new homes, even on sites in the Dorset Council area that have been previously refused.
If you are a landowner who would like advice on navigating this process, please contact the experienced team at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s development land and planning department.
The team has a wealth of in-depth knowledge on all aspects of planning procedures across the South West and can offer tailored advice to suit your particular circumstances and needs.
This could include site appraisals, planning feasibility studies and pre-application enquiries for various types of development.
For more information, please contact Planning Partner Stephen Baimbridge on 01823 334466 or email [email protected]