DORSET CHAMBER AND DORSET LEP CONFIRM SUPPORT FOR CANFORD PARK


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Tuesday 2nd Mar 2021

DORSET CHAMBER AND DORSET LEP CONFIRM SUPPORT FOR ECONOMIC INVESTMENT AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO BE CREATED AT CANFORD PARK

Dorset Chamber, the leading business network in Dorset, has confirmed support for the Canford Park planning application recognising the significant economic benefits and essential housing growth that will be delivered by the proposals.

A letter from Dorset Chamber to the Council highlights the significant benefits of providing 40% affordable homes and the important opportunity to attract skilled workers to Dorset. The Chamber also welcomes the provision of business start-up units in the community hub and the planned contributions towards local education and medical services in Poole.

Ian Girling, Chief Executive of Dorset Chamber, said:

“It is clear Canford Park will provide valuable housing stock, support the creation of new jobs, help new businesses start and provide significant economic benefits for the local area.”

“Dorset Chamber strongly supports this proposal and developments like this are vital for future growth of our economy.”

 Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, the group responsible for driving the economic growth of Dorset, have also confirmed that they are supportive of increased housing delivery which will help facilitate growth in the Dorset economy.

Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP Director said:

“Dorset LEP supports private investment which acts as an economic stimulus and will transpire to be a key element of the area’s economic development strategy to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

 Poole based W H White is bringing forward proposals for Canford Park, located north of Bearwood, Poole. The proposals will provide a significant economic stimulus through a range of benefits, including:

  • A total of 695 new homes, with a focus on family houses, rather than flats.
  • 40% affordable homes, rarely achieved on town centre sites in Poole, or Dorset as a whole, and meaning circa 278 new affordable homes for local people.
  • Increased expenditure in the local area resulting from new residents spending in the local retail, hospitality and services sectors, especially at the outset whilst residents are furnishing their new homes.
  • £5m towards local infrastructure through Community Infrastructure Levy payments, which many town centre developments have avoided.
  • Circa £5.6m of Section 106 contributions towards school places and doctor’s services.
  • As well as the £10.6m expected from CIL and S106 contributions, a significant financial uplift will be due for BCP Council resulting from Council Tax and New Home Bonus payments.
  • A new community hub providing shops, everyday services, business start-up units, and community facilities
  • The creation of a wide range of jobs, including those through construction and permanent jobs created within the local centre.
  • A 60-bed care home within the central community hub, ensuring Canford Park is a healthy and vibrant intergenerational community
  • The phased delivery of a 44-hectare beautiful Country Park, with 5,000 new trees planted to date, and public access to the River Stour.

W H White is delighted to confirm that Taylor Wimpey, one of the UKs most respected housing developers, will be developing the site, subject to planning permission. Taylor Wimpey is keen to move forward with the development of this important site at the earliest opportunity.

ENDS