BCP Council Local Plan Rejected by Planning Inspector After Review

The Planning Inspectorate reviewed BCP’s draft local plan. They held a hearing in January to check its compliance, including legal duties and housing needs. Helen Hockenhull and Thomas Hatfield were the officers involved. They found BCP Council failed to cooperate properly.

“Duty to cooperate” means addressing wider planning issues that affect areas around the BCP plan area. The plan subsequently didn’t pass stage one because BCP Council didn’t engage with Dorset and New Forest councils regarding housing needs.

BCP needed to build homes in other areas to meet targets. This proved difficult with Dorset Council earlier, and inspectors said BCP didn’t actively engage with those councils and didn’t seek housing solutions elsewhere.

BCP submitted the draft plan in June 2024, with the government issuing a new framework in December 2024. BCP had already approved 8,000 homes that were not yet built.

Council leader Millie Earl expressed disappointment with the verdict. She claims they worked hard on a community-focused plan, noting BCP has limited space for building due to coastlines and protected heathlands.

Earl says the government overestimated housing needs and believes they need national infrastructure investment. She states they will work with communities and other authorities, considering the letter and responding accordingly.

Local developers, including Fortitudo and W H White Limited, warned about the plan’s flaws in a statement. They highlighted past warnings about risks to the local economy. They hope for constructive dialogue to create a growth plan that meets housing needs while protecting the natural environment.

Labour leader Patrick Canavan called it a “devastating failure,” stating the administration emphasized this specific plan. He advised an immediate restart.

The Green party said the rejection leaves the area open to unregulated development. Cllr Chris Rigby blames the previous Conservative council, attributing their inaction to the current vulnerable situation.

Rigby said the government housing targets don’t fit local needs and cannot be met sustainably. He highlights the disconnect between targets and reality.

Rigby states outdated policies guide decisions, offering little protection from improper building. He urged the council and government to work together fast for a plan that protects communities while supporting sustainable growth.