Bournemouth

Council supporting planning to protect green spaces and strengthen delivery

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is now set to look at its response to the consultation on the current Planning Policy Reforms and what this could mean for the delivery of its new local plan. 

The council’s proposed response to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy open consultation, does recognise that there is an outdated method being used to set housing targets for local authorities. It also says that the current figures are not achievable for the BCP area, however the reforms do provide new clarity and protection for the local Green Belt. 

Councillor Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader and Portfolio for Development, Growth and Regeneration, said: 

“We absolutely welcome these proposed new reforms, which will be incredibly positive for the BCP region. Government have listened to the concerns of local authorities, and this is clearly reflected in this open consultation. 

“These proposals will provide a clear way forward for us to deliver the first Local Plan for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Pool. I’ve always been incredibly passionate about protecting out Green Belt, especially when the housing targets for this area were so unachievable, so that’s why these reforms are so welcome as they will mean punctual delivery of a Local Plan that will really work for our residents and communities. 

“Unlike so many areas, we’re incredibly lucky to have 15 miles of coastline, and significant areas of protected Healthland and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, but this also provides an additional challenge and does restrict development opportunities. These new reforms will allow the Planning Authority for this area to consider the true local picture and decisions will reflect what is right, and achievable, for this conurbation” 

As well as protecting the Green Belt, the new proposed reforms put a greater emphasis on protecting the area’s character, alongside stressing the importance of development quality. Local Authorities will be given more powers to refuse development if it doesn’t meet locally set standards, helping to increase the say that local people have on their community. 

The Draft Local Plan is expected to be published by BCP Council in Autumn 2023, with the being open for public consultation and examination. Full adoption will follow around December 2024. 

Public Sector Executive, Feb/March, Cover

PSE Feb/March, 23

Greater choice, greater results

Our February/March 2023 edition of PSE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key public sector topics, from EV infrastructure to Digital transformation and reducing carbon emissions. Learn how the UK Government is investing in highway and freight innovation or read Cllr Matthew Hicks discuss the first step towards an exciting future for Suffolk, alongside so much more…

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation Virtual Event | 21 Mar 2023

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Industry Survey

What are the biggest issues facing the Public Sector?

 Public Sector Executive is undergoing some in-depth research around the issues the Public Sector is facing and the importance of deploying and using new technology within Public Sector organisations. 

We are asking for your help to better understand how public sector organisations are utilising technology to support their digital strategy and your opinion on what the biggest issues facing the public sector are.

This survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete and to thank you for your time and for filling out our survey, we'll enter you into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

In order to assist public sector organisations with improving their existing technology estate, we hope to leverage our findings to share best practises and innovations across the public sector.

More articles...

View all