Around 9,000 homes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole remain stalled in the planning system, with several major regeneration sites highlighted in a new council report.
The update, presented to BCP Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board on January 5, sets out the scale of development that could still come forward, including more than 3,000 homes on council-owned land and a further 9,000 homes that already have consent or are no longer progressing.
Of the stalled developments, around 7,000 homes have planning permission but construction has never started, while about 1,000 more began building work before stopping. The report links these delays to rising construction costs, higher interest rates, expensive materials and shortages of skilled workers across the sector.
Affordability is also flagged as a growing issue, with house prices in the area now around 9.4 times local incomes, adding uncertainty for developers. Despite this, the council has approved plans to deliver more than 900 council homes over the next ten years.
Several key regeneration sites are included, with the former power station at Holes Bay identified as a priority but requiring significant extra funding following assessments by Homes England. The Bournemouth Development Company is developing concepts for Winter Gardens, while Poole Dolphin Leisure Centre forms part of a wider place-based strategy.
The report will help shape the council’s growth plan, due to be finalised this summer, after councillors unanimously agreed it should return for further scrutiny.
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