Christchurch and East Dorset logoChristchurch Borough Council and East Dorset District Council: The Inspector’s report into the Joint Core Strategy of Christchurch Borough Council and East Dorset District Council has now been published. Subject to the previously published alterations the new policies have been found sound and so the Council’s may go ahead and adopt the plan. The Core Strategy will now be taken to Christchurch Full Council meeting on the 22 April 2014, and to East Dorset Full Council meeting on the 28 April 2014 for formal adoption.

The Core Strategy introduces numerous new policies including new green field (and some green belt) housing allocations around Wimborne, Ferndown and Christchurch as well as elsewhere. Probably most significant for our clients is that the previous threshold for providing affordable contributions (14 residential units) is gone so that a contribution is required (subject to viability) from any additional new dwelling. It remains to be seen whether the Government will largely undo this – they are currently consulting on introducing a blanket minimum threshold of ten units across England. For now we adapt, as we have done elsewhere, and carry on. Suddenly the Borough of Poole is looking the most attractive location for small developers in the area…

If you want to know how the new Core Strategy policies will affect you then do please get in touch.