Have your say on development across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

A total of 24,000 new homes could be built in the BCP Council area in the next 15 years.

Local people now have until 1pm on Friday 3 May to comment on the draft BCP Local Plan which also includes proposals for 72 hectares of employment land and 33 individual ward policies.

Cllr Vikki Slade, leader, said: “This Local Plan provides a clear and sustainable vision for our area, whilst recognising and valuing the heritage of all three towns.

“Bringing forward a new Local Plan for the BCP area is a significant milestone and, once adopted, will provide clarity and consistency to our decision making. It will also align with BCP Council’s emerging new Corporate Strategy and Vision.

“I urge people interested in the future of our area to read the draft plan and provide their feedback during the consultation period. It really is the people’s chance to tell the Planning Inspectorate what they think.”

From Wednesday 20 March, the consultation will be available online at haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk. Representations will also be accepted by email to bcplocalplan@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or in writing at: BCP Local Plan, Planning Policy, BCP Council, Civic Centre, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, BH2 6DY. Paper copies of the Draft Local Plan and surveys will be available to complete and submit at BCP Council Civic Centre in Bournemouth, as well as Poole, Christchurch, Kinson, Boscombe and Broadstone Libraries.

All comments received during the formal consultation period will be passed onto an Independent Examiner from the Planning Inspectorate for consideration as part of the formal examination process.

Cllr Margaret Phipps, lead member for Local Plan Delivery, added: “It is vital our Local Plan stands the test of time and I’m confident that it will. We’ve done all we can to engage people in the process, including all ward councillors.”

Once adopted, the BCP Local Plan will replace the three Local Plans currently serving the BCP area.

During the same consultation period, the council will also be consulting on its Draft BCP Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule. CIL places a ‘£ per sqm’ charge on new development to fund infrastructure needed to support the growth of housing, employment, retail, leisure and transport identified in the draft BCP Local Plan and will be supported by a viability report.