The public consultation on BCP’s 15 year Local Plan has been moved to November because of the Penn Hill Ward by election, with housing and infrastructure evidence due to be considered. A consultation on future housing sites across BCP will now start in November. The six week exercise on Local Plan content and evidence options had been due to begin in late October, but it has been pushed back because of the Penn Hill Ward by election. Council leader Councillor Millie Earl told an Overview and Scrutiny meeting on September 29 that Cabinet would be asked to change the timetable. She said the d
A consultation on future housing sites across BCP will now start in November.
The six week exercise on Local Plan content and evidence options had been due to begin in late October, but it has been pushed back because of the Penn Hill Ward by election.
Council leader Councillor Millie Earl told an Overview and Scrutiny meeting on September 29 that Cabinet would be asked to change the timetable. She said the delay reflected “the sensitivities around this” while the by election was taking place.
The 15 year Local Plan will guide where new homes, employment sites and supporting infrastructure are built across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Government targets require almost 45,000 homes between 2029 and 2044, which is about 2,980 homes a year.
Evidence presented to councillors says existing urban sites could take about 30,600 homes, while Green Belt land could provide about 7,800. Even if those sites were included, the area would still be 6,200 homes short.
Councillor Earl said the consultation would let “residents, councillors, stakeholders and developers” review the evidence and share concerns or support. Councillor John Beesley said many people were worried about infrastructure and whether the homes could be delivered.
Councillors also discussed flood risk, Christchurch Harbour, affordable housing, schools, GP surgeries, transport, and utilities. The committee agreed to note the report.
