Public Meeting prior to consultation

East Dorset District Council (EDDC) is set to consult with local people on the future of the district.

Like all local planning authorities, EDDC is preparing its Local Development Framework (LDF) that will outline the vision of how the district will develop up to 2027.
 
At the centre of the LDF is the Core Strategy, which has been prepared in line with the Coalition Government’s Localism Agenda. It will form the basis of future planning policy decisions for East Dorset and covers a wide range of issues.
 
The authority has worked in partnership with Christchurch Borough Council to produce the draft Strategy. The two councils are now set to consult with residents on their ideas.
 
Ahead of the consultation, which begins on 4 October, EDDC has revealed key aspects of the draft Strategy. These contain ambitious ideas for the district’s future, including:
 
a large increase in the amount of public green space.

continued safeguarding of the district’s more environmentally sensitive areas.

much needed new housing that will meet the district’s future need.

building an upper school in Verwood (currently the largest town in Dorset without such a facility).

the creation of a community hub in the centre of Wimborne, combining key public services such the district council, a library, health centre and community hall.

the creation of a Wimborne / Colehill sports village - this development would be home to the town’s football and rugby teams, with pitches and a clubhouse for both. It would also include allotments and a country park.

environmental neighbourhood enhancement schemes for Corfe Mullen, West Parley and Wimborne / Colehill.

At the moment, these are all options for consideration and none of them are predetermined. The council is keen for all residents, businesses, groups and visitors to have their say. There is an extended consultation period on the proposals, which runs until Christmas 2010.
 
Comments received will be used to inform the next version of the Core Strategy which is planned for publication in autumn 2011. Other evidence that will be used includes flood assessments, retail capacity, open space surveys, an employment study and transport studies.
 
The Leader of EDDC, Cllr Spencer Flower, said: "We want the document to reflect, as far as possible, the public's views on the best way forward for the development and conservation of East Dorset.
 
"One of the council’s key priorities is to ensure that we can manage housing growth whilst providing more affordable homes. We have responded to the abolition of the regional spatial strategy by reviewing the range of locations and numbers of homes needed to meet future local needs and demands.
 
“At the same time, we must also ensure that vital infrastructure, such as roads, schools and community facilities are in place to meet future demands.
 
"The Core Strategy contains options for consideration rather than proposals for specific sites. It will help the council manage where future development in the district takes place and enable us to build the right type of housing in the right places.
 
“The choices may not be easy, but we must rise to the challenge in order to secure a sustainable future for our residents and respective councils.
 
“I hope that all residents, businesses, groups and visitors will take the time to read the consultation document and have their say on the district’s future. This will help them shape and guide the council’s policies through to 2027.”
 
Councillors from both authorities will be asked to consider the consultation Strategy and supporting documents at a joint meeting of both councils. This will be held at the Village Hotel in Bournemouth on Wednesday 29 September, starting at 5pm. This meeting will be held in public and residents are welcome to attend and listen to the debate.
 
To view the Core Strategy documentation, please visit: www.dorsetforyou.com