Council steps up greenbelt protection in East Dorset

East Dorset District Council has stepped up its work on protecting its greenbelt from developers.

Following a successful challenge in the High Court from councils affected by the RSS for the East of England, the government has announced a delay in the adoption of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the South West.

The delay has caused uncertainty regarding the RSS for the South West. East Dorset District Council is concerned that this could cause serious problems with planning and have a potential impact on the greenbelt

The period of uncertainty has now extended over many months, and it is not yet known when it will be resolved. The council feels that this could result in speculative developers trying to test the robustness of the council’s planning policies and submit planning applications for greenbelt land, in the hope of gaining permission.

The council must demonstrate that it is continuing with the work on the replacement of its Local Plan. It has continually made clear its opposition to the principle of the urban extensions contained in the RSS. It has decided to maintain its opposition but press on with the technical planning for the urban extensions. This is part of a package of work to ensure the green belt remains protected ahead of any decision from the Secretary of State on the RSS.

The worst possible outcome from the point of view of the council and its residents would be if it were to lose control over the local planning system and find decisions being made for it through ‘planning by appeal.’ To guard against this, the council must show that it is making progress with its Local Development Framework.

The council is now working towards a consultation document, which is scheduled to be shared with residents in early 2010. The document will set out the preferred option of no urban extensions and why they should be rejected. The proposed consultation will allow residents to 'have their say' in shaping the future housing needs in East Dorset.

Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of the Council, said: "The Council's Local Development Framework is an incredibly important document which will help the Council to protect the green-belt now and in the future.

“Preventing developers from making speculative planning applications is a key consideration at this time, which is why this work is so vital and must go ahead without further delay.

“In order to safeguard the greenbelt and ensure the RSS Urban Extensions at Corfe Mullen, north Wimborne and Parley Cross, and the wider areas of the district are protected, the council needs to demonstrate to the Planning Inspectorate that it is continuing work on its Local Development Framework. If this is not done, the district's green belt will be put at risk from speculative planning applications."