First NPPF2 plan to be examined?

Purbeck District Council submitted its Local Plan for examination on Monday (28 January).  I'm wondering if it gets the record for the first plan to be examined under the revised (July 2018) NPPF, given the deadline for having plans examined under the 'old' NPPF ran out on the 24 January. 

It introduces some potentially controversial new policies such as the 'small sites policy', a 'second homes' policy as well as reviewing the Green Belt to release land around Lytchett Matravers, Upton and Wareham, and strategic allocations at Wool and Moreton (Crossways)

For more information see their Local Plan Review webpage

Pimperne votes YES

The results are in for yesterday's referendum on the Pimperne Neighbourhood Plan: 
   321 votes cast in favour,
   46 against. 
So I make that 87% in favour of the plan, with a very respectable (40%) turnout.

The plan allocates three sites for housing as well as a host of other policies to protect the historic and rural nature of the village and surrounding countryside.

Congratulations to all those involved in the plan's preparation.

Swings and Roundabouts

Back from representing a Parish Council this morning objecting to a planning application that was making the most of North Dorset’s lack of a 5 year housing land supply.  A revised scheme, the first having been refused back in the summer on the grounds of poor design.  Although some of the members said they didn’t like it or want to support it, they did think it was better than the one earlier scheme (which is now at appeal) and didn’t think they had strong enough grounds to refuse.  So not exactly a ringing endorsement for good planning! 

However not all is doom and gloom, as the 8 week decision target has had its desired affect for one of my clients today, with approval (on last day of the 8th week) to remove a restrictive holiday use condition on a rural building.  I’m sure they’ll see the bright side. 

Talking of swings and roundabouts I’m looking forward to hearing the outcome of the NPPF ‘sustainability’ challenge that is being heard in the High Court and is expected at the end of this month…