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Planning
Bournemouth Borough Council - Agendas and Minutes page - For Planning Board
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This note is intended to provide a very broad guide to the role of the Planning Board and the parameters within which it must work in making decisions on planning applications. At the end of this note are web sites which provide more details on aspects of planning. The role of the Planning Board
It is the duty of the Statutory Planning Board to decide planning and other development related applications in Bournemouth. The members of the Board are elected to represent the interests of the whole community in planning matters and is comprised of eleven elected Councillors with the numbers of each party reflecting the political makeup of the Council (currently 8 Conservative; 1 Liberal Democrat; 1 Labour; 1 Independent). Not all decisions on planning applications are made by Planning Board as, in line with Government advice, most decisions are delegated to the Director of Planning and Transport Services. Those applications that cannot be determined under delegated powers are presented to the Planning Board for a decision – typically just over 100 each year. To see what triggers a planning application to Planning Board for a decision he Council’s Scheme of Delegation can be viewed at: http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Residents/Planning_Development/Planning_Applications/WhoMakesDecisions.asp Material considerations When determining planning applications the Planning Board must take into account planning considerations only. This can include views expressed on relevant planning matters. However, local opposition or support for a proposal is not in itself a ground for refusing or granting planning permission, unless it is founded upon valid planning reasons. Valid planning reasons include the Council’s statutory and non-statutory Planning Policies and the Government’s national planning regulations and statements. In addition there may be other things that can be accepted as relevant in reaching a decision (these are known as material considerations - see below for examples). These are the matters that the Board will consider as relevant when deciding a planning application. For example, a site identified for housing use in the Councils adopted planning policy would be acceptable in policy terms for housing purposes, the Council would then assess the details of the proposal against considerations such a layout/design, density, access and traffic.
Examples of National and Local Planning Policy The Planning System: General Principles (Extracts) (Published by Central Government 2005) Determining planning applications - “Local planning authorities must determine planning applications in accordance with the statutory Development Plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. If the Development Plan contains material policies or proposals and there are no other material considerations, the application should be determined in accordance with the Development Plan. Where there are other material considerations, the Development Plan should be the starting point, and other material considerations should be taken into account in reaching a decision.” Private interests - “The planning system does not exist to protect the private interests of one person against the activities of another, although private interests may coincide with the public interest in some cases. It can be difficult to distinguish between public and private interests, but this may be necessary on occasion. The basic question is not whether owners and occupiers of neighbouring properties would experience financial or other loss from a particular development, but whether the proposal would unacceptably affect amenities and the existing use of land and buildings which ought to be protected in the public interest.” Policy 4.19 of the statutorily adopted Bournemouth District Wide Local Plan (DWLP) Proposals for development should be of good design and respect the character of the surroundings. The local planning authority will have regard to all of the following: (i) the scale, density, height, massing, layout and materials of the proposed development; (ii) the appearance and treatment of spaces between and around buildings including important public vistas within the townscape; (iii) the amenities of neighbouring residents. Policy 6.8 of DWLP Infill residential development will be permitted in appropriate locations subject to detailed considerations including density, height, site coverage, means of access, landscaping, physical considerations, open space and parking provision. Development will be expected to: (i) complement and respect the character and amenity of neighbouring development; (ii) provide a high standard of layout and design that ensures adequate privacy for the occupants of the building and of adjacent residential properties; and, (iii) provide a pleasant and safe residential environment. Policy 6.10 of DWLP Flats will be permitted in the built-up area provided the development:
v) respects the living conditions of the occupiers of buildings in the vicinity. Policy 4.4 of DWLP Development proposals in conservation areas should preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area. In determining applications for development, the local planning authority will have regard to the following: (i) scale, density, height, form, massing, layout, materials, colours, vertical or horizontal emphasis, and detailed design of the proposed development in relation to the predominant character of buildings in the area or, in the case of extensions, to the character of the principal building; (ii) retention of the original building plots where their relationship with the pattern of development and other plots makes a contribution to the character or appearance of the conservation area. (iii) protection of existing street patterns, open spaces, trees, hedgerows, walls, views and other elements which are an integral part of the conservation area. List of useful websites: Bournemouth Borough Council, Planning & Transport - www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Residents/Planning_Development/default.asp Planning Portal - www.planningportal.gov.uk/ Communities and Local Government (Planning, building and the environment) - www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/ Directgov - www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Planning/index.htm P&T/RNJ/May 2010 ================================================================================================= Dear Jean Further to your email about the former Westbourne Methiodist Church , I hope the attached information helps explain the current planning situation. I am not especially in favour of Tesco going into the building, mainly because of the parking and deliveries issues which I believe will be an ongoing problem. However, at the time of the planning application for change of use there was little public interest and the building needs to be put to some use if it is not to remain as a church. The class use A1/A2 is wide and does not exclude this particular type of retail. Of significant importance to me as a Ward Councillor, the Westbourne Traders Association supported Tesco going into the building when they announced their intentions and I am not aware of any material considerations to prevent their occupation. However, I have been approached by a local resident about a scheme for a Victorian museum in the building which sounds very interesting. Should Tesco decide not to proceed and if the premises are then still available, I would be supportive of such an innovative idea right in the heart of Westbourne. Obviously as the Council has no funds to offer, any scheme would need to be totally viable and sustainable on its own but I shall look carefully at the plans if they are progressed. Regards, John Cllr John Beesley Chairman of Planning Board Bournemouth Council From: Steve Davies Dear Councillor Following enquiries about the proposed Tesco Express at the former Westbourne Methodist Church I attach the officers report. This is an important building in the conservation area which lies within the heart of the commercial part of Westbourne. It is unfortunate, but common place, that many churches are closing down and the Council has to support appropriate alternative uses otherwise the building will become redundant. Set in the shopping area a shopping use is an obvious alternative use. This use is probably better than what has happened to the former St Andrews Church in the town. As the proposal is for a change of use rather than redevelopment then compromises need to be made about servicing and car parking. It is not really practical to demolish large areas of the building or tarmac large areas for servicing. Within a busy historic commercial centre servicing is always difficult. I hope this explains the situation. I don't know whether the Highway Officer will add any other comment. CASE OFFICER REPORT DELEGATED
Subject: Westbourne Methodist Church Poole RoadProposal: Change of use to Classes A1, A2 (flexible consent) Application No. 7-2009-1715-H
Applicant: Mr G Warren Application Valid 4 September 2009 Status: PublicWard: WC
Director: Planning and Transport Services
Meeting Date:
Contact: Richard Cable, Planning Officer ( 01202 451323 + planning@bournemouth.gov.uk
1.0 Previous Relevant Planning Applications and Appeals: 1.1 7-2006-1715E Alterations & change of use from ground floor meeting rooms & first floor flat into 4 Grant 25-09-06 1.2 7-2006-1715F Alterations & change of use of ground floor meeting rooms & first floor flat into offices Grant 15-09-06 1.3 7-2006-1715G Alterations and change of part of Church to bar and restaurant Grant 25-09-06 The ‘E’ and ‘F’ schemes affect the manse building and exclude the central ‘meeting rooms’ element of building. The ‘G’ scheme included the retention of a floor area of the church for community use It should be noted that the above 3 consent have expired and are not extant. 2.0 Summary of Proposal: 2.1 The original proposal, as submitted at registration stage, has been amended to exclude the proposals for the change of the building to uses falling under class A3 (restaurant) and A4 (bar). The current use is for a change of the use of the Church building to uses falling under use class A1 (retail) A2 (offices) The total affected floor area would be 376sqm The provision of a loading bay and associated road markings and signage off the site Refuse/waste bin facilities and cycle store facilities
3.0 Relevant Policies: 3.1 The following Policies of the District Wide Local Plan are considered relevant: Policy 4.4 Development in Conservation Areas Policy 4.5 Change of use in Conservation areas Policy 5.1 Employment generating use Policy 5.19 Uses in shopping core area Policy 5.20 Secondary core areas Policy 7.12 Loss of community Facility Policy 8.13 Transport improvement Policy 8.14 Transport network Policy 8.37 Cycling 4.0 Issues: Westbourne Methodist Church is a prominent building located within the Westbourne Conservation Area to the eastern approach into the Westbourne district shopping centre. The building occupies an island location being surrounded by highways. The principal entrance onto Poole Rd fronts the traffic lights where Poole Road and Seamoor Road meet. There are three built elements to the existing Church complex consisting of:
The site lies between a core shopping area to the west and a secondary shopping area to the east, but does not have a particular local plan designation in this respect. Loss of community facility
There is a presumption under policy 7.12 that the loss of a community facility that would have a significant impact on overall provision of community facilities within the area would be resisted. The previous ‘G’ scheme enabled the retention of part of the front of the Church building for its original purpose. The current proposal would result in the loss of all the floor area of the Church building. However the previous ‘G’ scheme made the provision for retention of part of the floor area of the Church in the knowledge of the ‘E’ and ‘F’ schemes that provided for the redevelopment of the other church buildings within the site for non community uses. These consents together with the ‘G’ scheme have expired and therefore the middle of the 3 buildings within the site comprising the meeting rooms are available for community/church use. The applicant has also identified that the Church has rationalised its holdings/facilities reinvesting in other community facilities in the area thereby improving the quality of other community facilities in the area. The applicant contends that the loss of the Church as a contributor to community facility stock in this context is not significant. This position is accepted taking into account all material considerations noted above.
Highway considerations The retail element of the use would generate a need for delivery vehicles to unload close to the site. The site does not have anywhere within the curtilage of the site to enable vehicles to unload and therefore this would have to be provided off the site. The servicing requirements in this respect would necessitate the provision of an offsite loading bay in Landseer Rd. The provision of such a facility would result solely in markings on the highway surface and would not give rise to any adverse impact on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The area is considered to have the capacity to carry the traffic generated by the proposed A1 & A2 uses having regard to the status of the commercial heart of Westbourne and the sustainable transport merits of the site. The applicant has identified that there are a total of approximately 500 public car parking spaces available that are accessible to the site. The site would fall within the commercial heart of Westbourne and be likely to benefit from linked trips/visits to the centre from patrons using other services in the centre rather than generate solely single visits to the proposed use. Employees would access the site using other modes of transport or if using a car utilise off road parking or public car parking spaces. The highway officer has advised that there is no objection subject to: the applicant making provision for implementation of a loading bay, and appropriate signs and markings all to be provide at the applicants expense. This requirement would be met by the provision of a Grampian condition that has been agreed with the applicant including the financial contribution identified within the condition. Conservation Area The site falls within the Westbourne Conservation Area. The Methodist Church is not Listed or on the Local List, it is considered to significantly contribute to the character and appearance of the conservation area given its prominent location and form and scale. The Church has been closed for 2 years and in the absence of an alternative use there is a possibility of rapid decline in the condition of the Church and therefore in the potential positive contribution that the building would make to its surroundings. The applicant has stated that the proposal would not give rise to any external alterations or changes to the site or building. On this basis no objection has been raised by the Conservation Officer. It should be noted that the retail element of the proposal would generate a demand for refuse management facilities and cycle facilities. Given the statement of the applicant that no external changes would be required these facilities would need to be provided within the envelope of the Church building. A suitable condition is proposed to ensure associated facilities are provided within the footprint of the existing building. Residential amenity The site is situated in proximity to the commercial heart of Westbourne and residential development to the north and east within 25-40m of the site. Objection has been raised in respect to the potential of the A3/A4 element of the use to impact upon residential amenities in an adverse manner. However this concern has been resolved by the omission of the A3/A4 elements from the scheme. The activity associated with the A1/A2 uses would be considered to be compatible with the residential context. This is due to the sedentary nature of the office use and operational nature of activity associated with the retail use within the existing context of Westbourne shopping centre. The servicing/loading bay serving the retail use would be provided to Landseer Rd at some distance from the nearest residential development located to the north and within part of the highway network that comprises part of the existing commercial centre of Westbourne. Impact on vitality and viability of shopping area
The site lies between a core shopping area to the west and a secondary shopping area to the east, but does not have a particular local plan designation in this respect. The Core and Secondary Shopping Areas are still predominantly retail in character interspersed with some alternative uses, including a public house, bingo hall, and various eating establishments. There are few vacant units within the centre and despite the economic context the health of the existing centre would be considered to be relatively vibrant. It is considered that the proposed change of use would not adversely affect the vitality and viability of the shopping area, but would act as a draw to general retail activity in the area and help to strengthen the retail and commercial activity within the centres. The proposed use of the Church for A2 office use would enable the provision of financial and professional services that would be equally compatible with a shopping centre. The use of the Church for A2 would purposes would generate additional commercial activity within the centre from employees therefore enhancing the vitality and viability of the centre. Employment generating use
Policy 5.1 seeks to encourage uses that generate employment subject to satisfying other policy requirements. The existing Church is vacant and generates no employment activity. The proposed uses would have potential to generate a significant level of employment at a time when the economic context would benefit from such economic activity. There would not be any identified adverse impacts arising from the proposal to outweigh the identified benefits.
5.0 Representations: 5.1 1 letter of objection has been received. The main points raised relate to:
No objection to retail element of the proposal 5.2 1 letters of support has been received (from same individual raising objection). No objection to retail element of the proposal 6.0 Conclusion: 6.1 Having regard to the pattern of existing development in the area and relevant provisions of the Development Plan it is considered that subject to compliance with the conditions attached to this permission, the development would be in accordance with the Development Plan, would not materially harm the character or appearance of the area or the amenities of neighbouring and proposed occupiers and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience. The Development Plan Policies considered in reaching this decision are: 4.4,4.5,5.1,5.19,5.20,7.12,8.13,8.14,& 8.37.
GRANT Conditions Provision of loading bay and highway markings and signage The class A1 (retail) element of the development hereby permitted, shall not commence until details of a loading bay and appropriate signs and markings have been submitted to and have been subject to the written agreement of the Local Planning Authority. The works shall be implemented at the applicant's expense, in strict accordance with the approved details prior to the commencement of development and once provided thereafter retained.
Reason: To accord with the provisions of Policy 8.14 of the Bournemouth District Wide Local Plan (February 2002).
Provision of Refuse Management Plan The retail (class A1) element of the development hereby approved shall not commence until details of a Refuse Management Plan have been submitted and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The works shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details and retained thereafter unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Reason: To preserve the visual amenities of the locality in accordance with Policy 4.19 of the Bournemouth District Wide Local Plan (February 2002). Reason: To preserve the visual amenities of the locality in accordance with Policy 4.19 & 4.4 of the Bournemouth District Wide Local Plan (February 2002). Conclusion Article 5 of the Town & Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (England) (Amendment) Order 2003 The Local Planning Authority having considered the appropriate development plan policy and other material considerations have determined that the application should be approved for the following reasons: The proposal is considered to be acceptable in terms of its effect upon the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. Furthermore, it would safeguard the amenities of neighbouring residents having particular regard to the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of their property (BDWLP policies 4.4, 4.5 & 4.19).The proposal would safeguard matters of highway safety making adequate provision for associated servicing requirements and highway infrastructure improvements/transport requirements (8.13, 8.14 & 8.37). The proposal would make a positive contribution in respect to the interests of the vitality and viability of the shopping centre and employment in the area (5.1 and 5.19/5.20).
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Please find below, press release from Bournemouth Borough Council. Do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. For immediate release 26 April 2010
Public influences planning of IMAX replacement Public consultation into the future of the Waterfront (IMAX) building has been instrumental in developing a recommendation to Cabinet later this week (28 April 2010). The results show that a mixture of attractions is likely to be the best use of the site, and Cabinet is therefore being asked to agree that a planning brief is prepared which has regard to the results of the public consultation. Council Leader Councillor Stephen MacLoughlin said: “The public has made it clear that they expect the replacement for the IMAX to be architecturally stunning, commercially viable and include attractions and businesses that add to what Bournemouth offers residents and visitors. The Council bought the head-lease of the building, but we aren’t able to subsidise any attractions in its replacement. It’s likely, therefore, that any developer will need to include some more profitable facilities, such as restaurants, alongside the main attractions, to make a real success of the development.” He continued: “A large number of comments, both through the formal consultation, and online through media such as Facebook, have said this is a fantastic opportunity to complement Bournemouth ’s existing attractions. For example, the public said that interactive arts and performing space continue to be popular options, and it is right that the planning brief should reflect that. We will continue to develop our ideas for the site, but I do not expect demolition to commence before summer 2011.” The planning brief will be used to appoint an architect, and pulls together all guidance from the Council on the development of the site. This could include what uses would be acceptable, any restrictions in terms of height and bulk, architectural styles and planning policies that apply. ENDS For further comment / broadcast interview, call 01202 454668. Editors’ Notes: The Waterfront (IMAX) building was subject to public consultation during March 2010. Over 3,500 people completed the survey, which asked residents to rate seven options. The four options with overall support were: 1. Tropical gardens 2. Water park 3. Interactive arts, museum and entertainment 4. Performing arts space / amphitheatre The full results report can be found at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/waterfront, or join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/Waterfront.IMAX The Cabinet report can be found here: http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Library/Committee_Meetings/CAB/Agenda/100428%20Agenda%20and%20Reports%20Package.pdf Julie Jones Media & Communications Officer Tourism & Corporate Communications Telephone: 01202 454657 e-mail: julie.jones@bournemouth.gov.uk
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bournemouth.gov.uk Follow us on: www.twitter.com/bournemouthbc ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear e-panel member Thank you to those of you who responded to the Waterfront Consultation earlier this year. If you haven’t already seen it, the report is available to view on our website – click here to read it. Alternatively, the press release is available here which summarises the results. So, how has the Council used the consultation results? On 2nd July 2010, the Council published a Draft Planning Brief. This is a document aimed at developers and sets out our aspirations for the site – based on the consultation findings. The final Planning brief will give guidance to developers and their architects on the planning policies that apply to the redevelopment and how they should be interpreted. We have listened to what you told us in the original consultation in March and this is reflected in the Draft Planning Brief. You can read a summary of the Draft Planning Brief on our website. There is also an opportunity to comment on the Brief using an online feedback form. This form is designed to capture any further comments that you may have relating to the document that were not already covered in the Waterfront Consultation in March. To read the Brief and make comments if you wish, please click here. Thank you for your continued interest in this topic. We will continue to keep you updated. Kind regards Bournemouth e-panel VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bournemouth.gov.uk =================================================================================================
Boscombe Pier voted Pier of the Year!
The newly restored pier at Boscombe has been voted Pier of the Year 2010 by the National Piers Society. Boscombe pier, which has previously been described as “one of the coolest piers in the country” by UK designer Wayne Hemingway, beat 10 others shortlisted in the annual poll of the Society’s 600 members. The award is designed to acknowledge and reward commitment to restoring piers. Councillor Anne Filer, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: "I’m delighted that Boscombe has won this prestigious award in the year that we are celebrating Bournemouth 's bicentenary. The newly restored pier will provide a lasting legacy for future generations of residents and visitors." Commenting on the award, Gavin Henderson from the National Piers Society said: “For too long second fiddle to its sister pier at Bournemouth , Boscombe pier now deservedly shines in its own right." In contrast to the wrought-iron and ornate detail of Britain’s Victorian piers, Boscombe Pier is a stylish post modern structure featuring a Grade II listed entrance building with a distinctive ‘flying wing’ design. It also features a central windbreak with historic panels telling the fascinating story of the pier. The Grade II listed building was completely refurbished in 2008 including repairs to the concrete structure, replacement of the structurally unsound end section with a new viewing platform, new wooden decking, handrails, lighting and windbreak. Most recently, additional public benches have been installed from where the public can sit and enjoy the view. On hearing of the award, John Amos, chairman of the Friends of Boscombe Pier group ‘Inspieration’, said: “Boscombe Pier offers an attractive and distinctive alternative to other piers with arcades, bars and theatres. Winning the Pier of the Year award is a great honour and everyone involved in the pier's restoration, reopening and the events held on it since can feel very proud.” The award will be presented at the Society’s Annual General Meeting in Bournemouth on Saturday 12 June at 2pm.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Government's long awaited policy announcements on the historic environment were made yesterday with the publication of the first comprehensive policy statement on heritage for nearly a decade and a new Planning Policy Statement and Practice Guide. These provide an important overview of Government thinking as well as providing the policy framework within which all planning decisions will be made. They will remain in force even after the General Election. Government policy statement
New Planning Policy Statement The new Planning Policy Statement 5 Planning for the Historic Environment replaces PPGs 15 and 16 on the historic environment and archaeology and is now the keynote statement of planning policy on heritage. Local development frameworks must be compatible with PPS5 and it will also impact on decisions over individual planning applications. The detail will be pored over by planning practitioners and volunteers in the coming weeks and we will update you on how the new planning policies are being interpreted. The PPS sets out the Government's objectives for planning for the historic environment and details twelve policies. The objectives are: 1. To deliver sustainable development by ensuring that policies and decisions concerning the historic environment:
3. To contribute to our knowledge and understanding of our past by ensuring that opportunities are taken to capture evidence from the historic environment and to make this publicly available, particularly where a heritage asset is to be lost.
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Bournemouth Triangle transformation underway
Work will start this month to transform Bournemouth s Triangle into an attractive pedestrian-friendly area. As part of the Town Centre Vision, Bournemouth Council will begin improvements works to the Triangle which will include:
The improvements follow public consultation during September and October 2009. Local people told the Council they wanted the area to be a new public space with its own clear identity, with more greenery and the relocation of the disabled parking currently situated on the top of Commercial Road . Cabinet Member lead for the project, Councillor Bob Chapman said: Local people and traders in the area have told us how they want the Triangle to look and feel and I am extremely pleased that we are now able to move forward with this project. We want to create a public space that visitors, residents and local businesses will find more accessible. The Triangle has great potential and the aim is to create an attractive space where events, markets and informal recreation can take place. Preparations will now begin with the removal of some small trees which are in poor condition. Two larger trees which, because of their poor growing environment (in concrete, next to a wall) and the disturbance that they are likely to suffer during the improvement works will also need to be removed. However, three substantial replacement trees will be planted to enhance the space. Work is expected to be completed by July 2010 in time for the Bourne Free event. The Triangle improvements will cost just over £274,000 and are funded by the Council.
Meanwhile, there is just days left to take part in a consultation that will help create an Area Action Plan influencing planning policy for the town centre and determining the level and type of change delivered through the Vision. Visit www.towncentrevision.co.uk or pop into Bournemouth Library for further details. The consultation closes on Monday 8 March 2010. ------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------- THROOP MILL Sir, After many hundreds of correspondence on this matter over the past 20 years, it would be great in the year of celebrating Bournemouth's 200 years if the owners could see the great advantages of testing the market,? Cllr Ron Whittaker. ----------------------------------------------------- UK Businesses use 2 million tonnes of paper each year.
a copy of a letter recently received from the Government Office for the South West concerning the Council’s Affordable Housing policy. Having spoken with Government Office they are supportive of the approach being proposed by the Council, whereby the newly adopted policy is supported by a pragmatic approach through the proposed Supplementary Planning Document on a site by site basis, to ensure that overall the development remains viable whilst at the same time addressing the affordability problems facing the town. I trust you find the letter informative. Regards Alan Cheesman Principal Planning Officer Planning & Transport
01 March 2010 Dear Alan Bournemouth Affordable Housing DPD I am pleased to hear that the Bournemouth Affordable Housing DPD was adopted on 8 December 2009. This document should make a valuable contribution towards increasing the provision of affordable housing in Bournemouth. Can I offer my congratulations to you and all the staff for progressing this to a sound document. While our earlier advice preferred the inclusion of affordable housing policy in the Core Strategy, by approving your Council’s Local Development Scheme of January 2009 we accepted your view on the need to urgently address the affordable housing issue in Bournemouth. As the DPD has been produced following due process and considerable resources have gone into its production, we see considerable value in the LPA making effective use of the DPD. The Core Strategy still being at a rather early stage and the continued importance of ensuring that affordable housing needs are met would seem to emphasise this further. Given the current economic climate it is, however, particularly important to ensure that development remains viable by adopting a constructive approach in implementing the DPD looking at the viability of schemes on a case by case basis. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss any of the issues further. Yours Sincerely Simone Wilding MSc MRTPI Senior Planning Manager Dorset and Somerset -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bournemouth Borough Council. Do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. For immediate release 24 March 2010
Planning document approved to help achieve more affordable housing
A planning document advice note for developers has been approved at today’s (Wednesday 24 March 2010) Cabinet to help achieve more affordable housing in Bournemouth . Developers looking to build in Bournemouth will now have a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Advice Note which will set out in detail how the Council will assess planning applications involving affordable housing delivery as well as explaining the process they should follow to ensure their application is processed efficiently. The SPD follows the Cabinet’s decision to adopt a new affordable housing policy document in December 2009 which means developers will have to provide affordable housing as part of any new residential scheme that is built. The new policy will mean that any new development will seek to include up to 40% affordable homes depending on what is viable. Councillor Robert Lawton, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: “In order to achieve our priority to provide more affordable housing in Bournemouth we felt it was necessary to provide developers with a Supplementary Planning Document to help clarify the operational process for the new affordable housing policy.” “I hope this will help to deliver much needed affordable housing in the town as well as working towards achieving our Local Area Agreement (LAA) target of delivering homes for those most in need. Bournemouth currently has 7,600 households on its housing register and we urgently need to do something about it.” The SPD will become effective for all planning applications registered on or after 4 May 2010. -ends-
Press contact: Julie Jones, Media and Communications Officer, tel: 01202 454668. Notes to editor:
Timeline: 27 October 2009 – Cabinet agreed they would consider an advice note for developers. 18 November 2009 – Cabinet agreed to publish a draft document for public consultation which took place from 17 December – 28 January. 8 December 2009 – Council adopted the Affordable Housing Development Plan Document to become effective for all planning applications registered on or after the date that the SPD is adopted. In 2002 a policy was introduced to address the issue of providing more affordable homes. Any planning application for residential developments of more than 14 units would have to provide developer contributions. However, many of the developments were for less than 14 units which has impacted on the ability to deliver more affordable housing. The Affordable Housing Development Housing Development Plan Document aims to tackle this issue ensuring that any residential development, irrespective of number of units will have to provide affordable housing.
The new policy seeks 40% of all new residential development to be delivered as affordable housing, being provided either on-site as part of the development, off-site or by a financial contribution to secure delivery elsewhere in the town. Julie Jones Media & Communications Officer Tourism & Corporate Communications Telephone: 01202 454657 e-mail: julie.jones@bournemouth.gov.uk
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bournemouth.gov.uk Follow us on: www.twitter.com/bournemouthbc
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