Dorset Council is starting work on a new Local Plan after changes to government planning rules meant that last year’s draft plan had to be replaced.
The government has significantly increased the number of homes Dorset is expected to provide, from 1,757 to 3,246 a year. That means more than 48,000 homes over the next 15 years.
The Council’s recent consultation, which closed on 26 October, asked people for their views on the overall direction of the plan and the information needed to prepare it. It was not about individual housing sites, such as the proposed development north of Dorchester. Those will be considered at a later stage.
Why transport must come first
DTAG believes that new housing must be planned alongside the transport people will need to get to work, school, shops and healthcare.#
Too often, housing is built first, with promises of better roads, buses and walking and cycling routes coming later. This leaves residents dependent on cars and adds to congestion and pollution.
In a rural county like Dorset, we need a different approach. New homes should be built where people can walk, cycle or use reliable buses and trains for everyday journeys. Transport improvements must be in place when people move in, not years afterwards.
What DTAG wants to see
Our response to the consultation sets out five main priorities:
1. Build transport links alongside new homes. Walking and cycling routes and public transport should be ready before residents move in, with progress checked regularly.
2. Make it easier and safer to get around Dorchester and the surrounding area. Major roads such as the A35 and A37 can make it difficult for people to reach the town centre, schools and healthcare facilities. New developments must include safe crossings, bridges or underpasses where needed.
3. Improve school travel. Children need safe walking and cycling routes, while those living in rural areas need access to dedicated school buses. This would help reduce congestion around schools and busy roundabouts.
4. Make town centres accessible to everyone. We want historic high streets that are less dominated by through traffic, while protecting disabled parking, step-free access and convenient places for people to be dropped off.
5. Benefit existing communities as well as new residents. Money provided by developers should also help people already living nearby, through measures such as bus passes, electric bike trials and car-sharing schemes.
What happens next?
Dorset Council is now considering the responses to its consultation before preparing the next draft of the Local Plan.
DTAG will continue to press for homes and transport to be planned together, and will scrutinise the Council’s proposals as they emerge.
Read DTAG’s full response to the Local Plan consultation to find out more about our recommendations.
Maybe concentrate on restoring derelict houses first and for locals only! We don’t need more new homes, especially being built on floodplains.