A shiny, new Local Plan for West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland

The West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan was finally adopted on15 October (at Weymouth and Portland) and 22 October (at West Dorset).  The new Plan replaces the previous Local Plans for each area, which no longer need to be referred to in planning decisions. 

The new Local Plan will cover the period to 2031, although an early review (by 2021) is anticipated to ensure there is sufficient ongoing supply of housing land.  This is critical, as without a robust housing land supply the Local Plan policies can be over-ruled.

It still amazes me how much time these plans take to get through the process.  Both Councils were working on draft plans, before taking the decision in 2011 to work together on a combined plan for the whole area.  The adoption comes 4 years on from the first public sessions on the issues and options, and the examination process took 2 years.  But at least, unlike some, the examiner concluded that the plan could be adopted.

This is good news for neighbourhood plan groups working in the area, who now have certainty on the over-riding strategy that their plans should align with. 

Alongside the Local Plan, the Community Infrastructure Levy has also been adopted.  However a date has yet to be set for when it will come into effect, and it certainly won’t be used until April 2016 at the earliest (whilst the various systems are put into place), and until then the Councils will rely on section 106 agreements to secure infrastructure funding where they can.

For more information visit the Council's planning policy pages

Major milestones passed for West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland

The West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan is firmly on track for adoption this Autumn.  The final hurdle has been passed, with the publication of the Inspector’s report announcing that, with modifications, the plan has been found sound.

The planners won’t be able to sit back for too long, as the plan will need to be reviewed by 2021, and the Inspector says this review should “identify a long-term strategy for development in the Dorchester area and reappraise housing provision in Sherborne”.

The five year housing supply has been closely examined, with the Inspector ruling out some of the ‘supply’ because of uncertainty or lack of evidence, but still finding that there is 5.1 years in the bag.   With such a slim margin he then goes on to say “it is imperative that the Councils do not ignore new opportunities which come forward in sustainable locations and are consistent with other policy provisions”

Of particular interest is the outcome on affordable housing in light of the recent High Court ruling that the national guidance on minimum thresholds should be quashed.   The Inspector has said that it is fine to go ahead with the requirement for all open market housing sites to contribute to affordable housing needs.  Good news for those in housing need - but probably not for your balance sheet if you were looking to build your own house.

The Councils are also on track to introduce the Community Infrastructure Charging Levy (CIL), with rates now agreed by the same Inspector.  We shall wait to hear when this will come into effect.

Cerne Valley - the first Neighbourhood Plan made in Dorset

Not a bad first post for the blog - congratulations to Cerne Valley Parish Council,
the working group and all the residents for making the Cerne Valley Neighbourhood Plan the first neighbourhood plan in Dorset.  

I have to say it was great great fun working with the local residents as their planning adviser.  The working group included Fred Horsington who chaired the group and is now a Neighbourhood Planning Champion for the area, and Ian Humphreys, who became Chairman of the Parish Council and therefore had the unenviable task of being the nominated speaker at the Examination Hearing last summer.

Ian recently said what having a made plan meant for local residents

“We would say for the very first time that people have the opportunity as a community to influence planning matters and protect matters like green spaces.  It means that the district council has a legal obligation to give residents a strong reason to approve any planning applications that go against the Neighbourhood Plan.”

When I have a moment I will blog about some of the lessons learnt from this whole experience.