The Bournemouth One News Centre

All the news you need for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with travel information and national headlines.

• Christchurch plan moves closer to vote

  Christchurch’s community led planning blueprint has been formally submitted to BCP Council for its next stage. More than one thousand two hundred and eighty residents helped shape proposals covering green spaces, heritage, housing, local businesses, walking, cycling and future development. The plan proposes protection for twenty six Local Green Spaces, alongside policies covering biodiversity, tree planting, wildlife corridors, important views, historic buildings and the town centre. BCP Council will now hold a further consultation before an independent examiner reviews the document and it can move towards a local referendum. Approval at referendum would make the plan part of the framework used when planning applications are decided.

• Dorset Council want new route for Local Plan

  Dorset Council is proposing a new route for preparing its Local Plan after national planning changes. The Government has introduced a new system, increased Dorset’s housing requirement and set a December twenty twenty-six deadline for plans continuing under the previous arrangements. The council says those changes, alongside further evidence work, mean it can no longer complete a sound plan under the old process before the deadline. Cabinet will consider the switch on Tuesday the twenty-eighth of July, with an initial consultation under the new system expected later this year. More than nine thousand previous responses, technical studies and other work will continue to help shape the plan.

• AFC Bournemouth academy gains top status

  AFC Bournemouth’s academy has been awarded Category One status from the start of next season. Category One is the highest level under the Elite Player Performance Plan and allows young players to compete against stronger opposition across every age group. The academy will also gain wider access to Premier League and EFL competitions, education programmes, performance support and opportunities designed to help players reach the first team. Owner Bill Foley says reaching the top category within four years of being in Category Three shows the progress being made throughout the football club. The status follows an assessment covering coaching, education, player care, recruitment, medical services, performance and facilities.

• Climate film screenings continue in BCP

  Free climate film screenings are continuing across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this month. The People’s Emergency Briefing looks at how climate change could affect public health, infrastructure, nature and everyday life, while explaining practical ways communities can prepare. Screenings in Poole and Christchurch have sold out, while 2 showings remain at Bournemouth’s Palace Court Theatre on Wednesday the twenty-ninth of July. A separate screening is also being held at Parkstone United Reformed Church, with discussions following the films about preparing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for future challenges. BCP Council says the events will also help residents learn about local climate action and adaptation work.

• Dorset charity leads UK carers project

  Dorset charity My Time is leading a national project to improve support available to young carers. The Equity for Young Carers Project has published two reports comparing approaches in Newcastle and Romsey, aiming to help develop a fairer and more consistent national framework. They examine Newcastle Carers’ I Care tool, which reduces repeated assessments, and Romsey Young Carers’ use of occupational therapy through partnerships involving trainees and universities. Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade attended the London launch, while a new campaign is calling for young carer support in every UK school. Funding has been renewed for a second year, allowing MYTIME to work with more organisations during twenty twenty seven.