An appeal has been lodged by Persimmon Homes (South Coast) against Dorset Council’s failure to determine its proposals of land south of the A30 in Shaftesbury.

In the statement of case submitted on behalf of the developers, Brett Spiller of Chapman Lily Planning Ltd calls for a public inquiry into the application seeking permission to erect up to 135 homes, industrial starter units, primary school, flexible commercial uses including a combination of a hotel and non-food retail or residential care home on the site which is allocated only for employment in the North Dorset Local Plan.

He says the main issues relate to the principle of some of the component land uses within the overall mix, including the introduction of a residential component on allocated employment land.

He further states that the North Dorset Local Plan Part 1, adopted in 2016, was rolled over into the replacement Local Plan “with little assessment or scrutiny”, but highlights the need to deliver 1,140 dwellings over the plan period and the need for additional primary school capacity which would be undertaken as part of the Local Plan Part 2.

“Contrary to the Inspector’s advice the LPA has not prepared a new plan in quick succession, with the transition to Dorset Council serving to reset the Local Development Scheme, and at the time of writing a new Dorset Plan is at an embryonic stage.

“Whilst the current employment allocation has been mirrored in the emerging Shaftesbury Neighbourhood Plan, which is at an advanced stage, it similarly has not underpinned any thorough review of land allocation in development plans, and/or land availability.”

“The LPA have to date failed to take account of changes in the demand for land despite being provided with robust evidence demonstrating that there is no tangible market interest for the allocated employment use.”

He says the proposed development will make efficient and sustainable use of the site in delivering an array of employment opportunities and bolstering local services within the town. From an economic perspective, the proposals provide both residential and commercial accommodation in an accessible location, the occupants of which will contribute towards local shops and businesses.

“From a social perspective, the proposals would help increase the supply of much needed market and affordable homes and provide accommodation for occupants who will contribute to the social cohesion of the area.”

“And from an environmental perspective, it has clearly been shown that the proposals preserve the character and appearance of the area, cause no harm to the local historic asset, would result in no harm to biodiversity or drainage, and afford access to sustainable means of travel to the wider conurbation.”

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