Rural life campaigners Dorset CPRE have welcomed Dorset Council’s criticism of the rules which govern new housing requirements.

Council leader Spencer Flower had stated: “The current National Planning Framework is not providing councils with the means to promote sustainable development through their Local Plans but is instead about chasing government housing targets.”
Dorset CPRE – which has vigorously criticised Dorset’s 39,000 housing target – said Cllr Flower’s remarks ‘show a willingness to develop a Local Plan more suited to Dorset and its residents.’

Previously, Dorset CPRE stated that the Dorset Local Plan was being developed ‘too quickly and without an adequate evidence base’.
Dorset CPRE spokesman, Peter Bowyer, said: “We now hope there will be positive dialogues with community organisations and residents in Dorset to arrive at a housing figure of closer to 22,000 up to 2038, adequate provision of affordable/social housing, and compatibility of the Dorset Local Plan with actions to address the Climate and Ecological Emergencies.”

He said the group looked forward to the outcome of communications between the Secretary of State and Dorset Council.
He also welcomed the opportunity for an extension of the Local Plan period, as well as the potential development of a new approach to Local Plans ‘that reflects the needs of the residents of Dorset’.

By Faith Eckersall