A review of grid capacity in Dorset in the light of the draft Dorset Local Plan and Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy proposals has revealed problems in a number of areas.

Members of the Place Scrutiny Committee have agreed to seek a consultant’s report at a cost of around £50,000. Electricity providers, are currently drawing up Local Area Network Plans to guide future investment.

The committee heard Dorset Council has set out its aims in the strategy, and in the first consultation on the Local Plan. It flagged up grid capacity problems, now being explored by provider (SSEN) including at North Dorset Business Park in Sturminster Newton, Brickfields in Gillingham, Grove Industrial Estate in Dorchester, industrial estates in Bridport, Dorset Innovation Park at Winfrith, Portland Port and the Granby in Weymouth.

Cllr Carol Jones, who some time ago flagged up problems in supply at the North Dorset Business Park, and in the town itself, asked if there should be a priority list, and if they could influence it. She was told that providers, who are legally responsible for the provision, developed their own priorities, but the consultants’ report would help the council work with them. The committee was told by Hilary Jordan, service manager for spatial planning, said historically consultation had been a bit lax, and comments had still not been received from the providers on the council’s Local Plan consultation.

There are no proposals to fund capacity through the council’s own investment and lobbying of central government for funding could be needed.

Corporate executive director for place Jon Sellgren said Dorset LEP was undertaking a complimentary piece of work because of fear of constraints.

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