Corfe Castle at sunrise
An important public consultation is taking place in Purbeck this February and March.
The consultation is part of a partial review of the Purbeck District Local Plan Part 1. The Local Plan currently sets out the vision and policies for the whole of the district for the period 2006 – 2027 and is used to guide new development and determine planning applications. The partial review is a requirement of an independent planning inspector.
The Council needs people’s thoughts on a range of issues, including:
· locations for new homes
· locations for new shopping and employment space; and
· how growth can be balanced with protecting Purbeck’s natural environment
Councillor Peter Wharf, speaking as Chairman of the Council’s Partial Review Advisory Group, which was set up to review the Plan, said: “With continued pressure on the district to meet future growth, we need to ensure the Purbeck Local Plan remains up-to-date.
“When the planning inspector appraised the Plan, he agreed it only on the understanding that the Council would review it to see whether more development was possible in the future.
“We have to strike a balance between protecting and enhancing the beautiful area of Purbeck and providing the housing that would meet demand, so this consultation gives everyone the opportunity to have their say on future development in the district.
Councillor Wharf continued: “Please take the time to respond to the consultation. Without an approved plan, developers would have few restraints or guidelines to adhere to and we could lose much of our ability to manage development in Purbeck.”
The consultation starts on Thursday 29 January and will run until 5pm on Friday 13 March 2015. Households in Purbeck will receive a publicity flyer detailing events taking place around the district. The full consultation material (including the questionnaire) will be available online at
www.dorsetforyou.com/purbeck-partial-review from Thursday 29 January 2015.
Paper copies of the consultation documents can be obtained by telephoning the Council on 01929 556561. Printing and postage costs of approximately £10 will apply for the consultation document. Paper copies will also be available to view at libraries around the district.
Consultation events, where members of the public can talk to Council officers about the partial review of the Purbeck Local Plan will be taking place around Purbeck:
Wednesday, 11 February: 2.00pm – 8.00pm at Upton Community Centre
Thursday, 12 February: 2.00pm – 8.00pm at the D’Urberville Hall, Wool
Monday, 16 February: 2.00pm – 8.00pm at the Mowlem, Swanage
Wednesday, 18 February: 2.00pm – 8.00pm at the Scout Hut, Bere Regis
Friday, 20 February: 2.00pm – 8.00pm at Wareham Town Hall
Thursday, 26 February: 2.00pm – 8.00pm at Lytchett Matravers Library
The District Council was originally planning to consult on the Swanage Local Plan at the same time as the Partial Review. However, the Council has decided to further explore the issues highlighted by some members of the Swanage Local Plan Steering Group, made up of the District Council, Swanage Town Council, Swanage Town and Community Partnership and community representatives. The District Council will be considering the next steps at its meeting in February
