Further to the recent Dorset CPRE annual meeting, warnings were discussed of a potential disconnect between housing delivery and infrastructure provision. The debate on housing numbers will continue, with some commentators arguing for more housing and others, including CPRE, less. However, there is a danger that the pre-occupation on housing numbers distracts from the urgent need to deliver sustainable communities.
We believe that sustainable communities should provide opportunities to 'live, work and play'. We fully support the notion that new development should be brought forward in suitable locations, supported by physical and social infrastructure. We also welcome Dorset CPRE's acknowledgement of the urgent need for affordable housing - it has proved extremely difficult to deliver meaningful levels of affordable housing on brownfield sites in Poole and there is no indication that this is likely to change in the future. Thus alternative options should be explored.