Members of Borough of Poole have voted to adopt the Poole Local Plan.
The adoption of the Poole Local Plan comes following a recommendation from officers and confirmation from an independent Government Planning Inspector which is highly positive in endorsing the Council’s strategy and associated policies.
The Local Plan sets out a housing requirement of 14,200 homes over the period to 2033, which the Inspector confirmed is sound, based on a credible evidence base and accords with national planning policy.
The Poole Local Plan proactively acknowledges the geographical constraints to developing new homes in the Poole area by demonstrating the exceptional circumstances to releasing Green Belt land for the development of much needed new homes.
The Government Inspector confirmed that there are exceptional circumstances that justify a carefully planned release of Green Belt and recognised the multitude of benefits that would be realised from the proposed release such as education provision, affordable housing, family housing, investment in infrastructure and delivery of the first parts of the Stour Valley park.
The emerging Poole Local Plan therefore includes allocations for the release of sites from the Green Belt to help resolve the under delivery of homes in recent years. This includes Canford Park under emerging Policy UE2 for a minimum of 800 homes.
Adoption of the plan helps to secure Poole’s future, identity and ability to inform planning decisions made in the Poole administrative area as the authority transitions to the new Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council.
The new homes for Canford Park would address Poole’s need for family houses and complement the predominantly flat prioritised schemes in urban areas. Canford Park would potentially deliver up to 320 Affordable or Starter Homes in North Poole. A 60-bed care facility for the elderly would also be provided, responding directly to the quickly growing need for such facilities across Dorset.
New homes would be set alongside a vibrant community hub comprising shops, everyday services, business start-up units, the 60-bed care home and community facilities.
Although a significant issue, Canford Park is not just about providing family homes. Canford Park would facilitate and enable the delivery of a huge 44-hectare area of natural green space for public access, also opening unparalleled public access along the southern bank of the River Stour where hitherto no such access has been available for public enjoyment.