Dorset Council is developing a Dorset Harbours Strategy to guide the development of the three harbours under its management over the next 10 years.

The Dorset Coast Forum (DCF) has been working with Dorset Council harbours committee to help develop this new strategy for West Bay, Lyme Regis and Weymouth harbours, which will unify them under the Dorset Council management while recognising the unique qualities of each harbour.

As part of this work, DCF carried out public consultation in September and October 2020 to gain community input to help build a strategy that is supported by the communities and key stakeholders. The Dorset Harbours Strategy Consultation feedback report can be found here.

The consultation took place through online workshops and surveys, with harbour users, to seek views on what people think works well and what doesn't work so well in regards to the management of the harbours and also to gather ideas for how the harbours should develop over the next 10 years.

The Dorset Coast Forum and the Dorset Coast Forum and the Dorset Council harbours committee have used this feedback, and other supporting information and documents, to form the basis of the strategy. They are currently working with key stakeholders to ensure the direction of the strategy is supported and will be going back out to consultation with the wider public on this draft strategy in summer 2021.

Councillor Mark Roberts, chairman of the Dorset Council harbours committee, said: "Thank you to all those who contributed to the first stage of the consultation - we received 530 responses.

"It's important we consult with harbour users and then the eider community to develop the Dorset Harbours Strategy to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to air their views.

"We are working hard to ensure this strategy reflects the needs and aspirations of our community and will set out our vision for the future that is strongly supported."

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "Dorset Council continues to be committed to working with our communities to ensure they have a say on how our harbours are managed and are a place that they are proud to use for work or leisure. This new strategy will set out how our harbours can thrive, now, and in the future."

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