The latest planning list is now available here.
After a relatively quiet start to the year, recent months have witnessed a notable surge in application activity, a trend that persisted through April. Notably, a significant portion of the applications in the Canford Cliffs Ward this month pertained to tree-related works.
Throughout the month, decisions were rendered for several minor applications, underscoring the efforts of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council to address the backlog of pending applications. Nevertheless, a substantial number of applications, particularly major ones, remain unresolved beyond their statutory timeframe. Among these outstanding applications is a proposal to construct two properties within the garden of an existing dwelling in the Conservation Area, a case which has now prompted a new appeal.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities’ website provides insights into local planning authorities’ performance, highlighting the percentage of applications decided within the statutory timeframe. Recent data indicates an improvement in response times by Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council during the latter part of 2023… Hopefully, this improved performance continues!
Draft BCP Local Plan
The consultation process for the draft BCP Local Plan has now ended.
Although in general the draft Local Plan appears positive, BCPPRA provided feedback regarding the following matters:
General: Stricter sustainability guidelines; Public transport (from transport hubs to the beachfront); Road safety within the area.
Ward: Canford Cliffs Ward Development allocations (Beach Road Car Park, Penn Hill Car Park and Lindsay Road); The number of houses identified for development in Canford Cliffs.
Ward Conservation Areas: Conservation Area Appraisals should be reviewed and updated; Clear guidance is requested regarding site-splitting in the Conservation Area (to deter applications that contradict the Conservation Area Plan and Appraisal); Planning restrictions around the chines; Flood resilience requirements in the roads around the chine.
Several of the other local community groups provided feedback to the council, some of it very thorough and detailed.
