People across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can now help shape future growth in the area.
BCP Council has launched the first of 3 public consultations on its new Local Plan, which will guide how land is used and developed across the area through to 2043.
The first stage is a six-week scoping consultation, giving residents, businesses and community groups the chance to suggest the key issues the plan should consider.
Topics include new homes, affordable housing, job growth, transport links, infrastructure, town centres, high streets, green spaces, the natural environment and the climate and ecological emergency.
A Call for Sites is also taking place at the same time, inviting landowners, developers and the public to suggest potential development sites for future use.
Responses will be reviewed before a second consultation later this year, covering the plan’s vision, strategy, possible development sites and overall direction.
A timeline for the Local Plan consultation process is:
- June to July 2026: Phase 1 – Scoping consultation – a chance to comment on the key issues, suggest what policies could be in the local plan and to let us know how we can best involve people at future stages.
- October to November 2026: Phase 2 – Plan content and evidence consultation – a chance to comment upon the vision, strategy, possible development sites and shape the direction of the plan.
- September to November 2027: Phase 3 – Proposed Local Plan consultation – a chance to make representations on the final plan that will be submitted to government for examination.
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said the authority wants to hear “what matters most to local people” so the plan reflects communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
She said an up-to-date Local Plan would help plan for homes, jobs and infrastructure in a “joined-up way”.
Councillor Earl also said the Government’s mandatory housing target of 3000 homes a year in the area is challenging, but having a current plan gives the council more control over how development happens.
A final proposed Local Plan consultation is due between September and November 2027, before the plan is submitted to government for examination.
See more and share your views here.
Share us with your friends on social media, and have a listen to Bournemouth One online and on DAB for all your local news, traffic, jobs, weather, coastal info and more.
Register below for free regular updates via email.
