BCP Council wants to hear views in its ongoing Issues and Options Consultation, which is part of the process in developing a draft Local Plan for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The Issues and Options Document explains the key issues for the council to address and provides an opportunity for people to tell the council how they feel it should respond.
Councillor Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration, said: “We’ve been really pleased with the response so far to this important consultation – which is designed to get a steer from the public on issues that are important to them prior to us preparing the actual Local Plan later this year. Indeed, to date we’ve had over 6300 unique visitors to our website.
“We always intended to have some physical events as part of the consultation, but this plan had to be halted when the Omicron COVID variant forced new restrictions. With the government guidance now having been changed, we’re relieved to be able to bring these plans back and allow for a time extension to give those taking part additional time to feed in their views.
“We’re pleased to announce four drop-in events at Bournemouth, Christchurch, Broadstone and Rossmore libraries later this month. Please come along, ask questions and learn more about this consultation. Officers will be available to provide support to help you take part, either online or using our paper forms. We will also be holding an online evening webinar, which will also be a further opportunity for people to find out more.”
Drop-in information events:
- Bournemouth Library: Monday 28 February- 10am-3pm
- Christchurch Library: Tuesday 1 March- 9.30am-2.30pm
- Broadstone Library: Wednesday 2 March- 10am-12pm
- Rossmore Library: Wednesday 2 March- 1pm-4pm
Online webinar
- Thursday 3 March: 6-7pm
Councillor Broadhead, added: “Developing a Local Plan means that we will have to consider a whole host of issues and opportunities. That’s why, before we begin that work, we are seeking public opinion on 10 different topics – including challenges around building new homes, climate change, protecting our natural environment and supporting the local economy.
“Everyone can tell us about what matters to them and there is no need to complete the whole consultation- you can just respond to the topics you are most interested in.”
People can take part in this consultation in many different ways. You can go online and complete the survey here, email the Planning Policy at bcplocalplan@bcpcouncil.gov.uk, visit any library in the BCP area, where you can read the Issues and Options Consultation document and complete a paper copy of the summary survey, download a copy of the survey and email it to bcplocalplan@bcpcouncil.gov.uk, or write to Planning Policy Team, BCP Local Plan, BCP Council, PO BOX 9548, Bournemouth, BH1 9ET.
A new Local Plan for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will set out a strategy for how much, where and what type of development will take place across our area until 2038.
It will provide detailed planning policies and site allocations to guide change and new development. This consultation is complex but residents are encouraged to consider the topics most important to them as this process will shape the future of the BCP area.
BCP Council has also produced a Podcast that explains more about Local Plans, why a new plan is so important for the BCP area and the different topics we want to hear your views on.
The Issues and Options Consultation closes at midnight on Friday 25 March 2022.