The Dorset Harbours Committee have developed a Dorset Harbours Strategy to provide direction as to how Bridport, Lyme Regis and Weymouth Harbours will develop over the next 10 years.

Following the formation of Dorset Council through a Local Government Reorganisation in 2019, Dorset Council became the Statutory Harbour Authority for the three harbours. Dorset Harbours Committee is responsible for exercising functions as the harbour authority. The strategy is owned by Dorset Council and implemented by Dorset Harbours Committee. Dorset Coast Forum were commissioned to help develop the strategy.

Why do we need a Dorset Harbours Strategy?

This strategy is to ensure that all three harbours have a clear direction and are aligned under the management of Dorset Council while recognising their unique qualities and local communities.

What as happened so far?

As part of the development of this strategy Dorset Coast Forum, was appointed to carry out a range of consultation and engagement including:

• a desk-based research exercise,
• interviews with harbour staff,
• workshops for key stakeholders and the public, and a
• public survey.

These public events took place from September to October 2020 with further consultation with key stakeholders on the Vision, Aims and Strategic Goals in March 2021. A summary of the consultation feedback is found in the Dorset Harbours Strategy Consultation Report which is available HERE.

The Dorset Harbours Committee appointed a working group to help guide the development of the strategy, using the feedback from these consultations.

Public consultation for feedback on the draft strategy was carried out during Autumn 2021. This feedback was reviewed by the Dorset Harbours Strategy working group and incorporated into the strategy where possible.

What happens next?

The draft strategy was approved and adopted by the Dorset Harbours Committee in March 2022.

The new Dorset Harbours Strategy will now help the development of the harbours and inform decision making.

Download the final strategy HERE