Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning.

That Dorset Council was  unlikely to be able to meet any of the BCP Council unmet housing need without further work on the urban capacity and Green Belt review being undertaken, particularly in the light of the significant increase in housing targets proposed through the recent government consultation.

Reason for the decision

To respond to the formal request from BCP Council for Dorset Council to consider helping to meet the unmet need as required by the Duty to Cooperate.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning presented the report explaining that BCP Council had asked Dorset Council for their assistance in meeting their unmet housing need target.  The Cabinet Member noted that it would be very challenging for Dorset Council to meet its own targets set by central government without then considering support to BCP Council.  Additionally, it was suggested that BCP Council should conduct further work or provide evidence on their urban capacity and a Green Belt review should be undertaken in the light of the significant increase in targets proposed to local councils following recent government consultation.

In response to questions, the Cabinet Member confirmed that BCP Council had requested Dorset Council to consider using its Green Belt land for housing without them considering using their own.  Dorset Council had a duty to cooperate (but not necessarily agree) with its neighbouring council(s) and this would be tested through the development and consultation of the local plan process.  It would be for BCP Council to prove that they had considered all options, including their own Green Belt land, to the local planning inspectorate.

Members were advised that the formal response had been sent. But listening to the sentiments of councillors and the request for a response to be more robust, the Head of Planning indicated that a covering letter could be added to the official papers to the local inspectorate setting out Cabinet’s concerns. However, Dorset Council would continue to cooperate with BCP Council going forward.

It was proposed by Cllr S Bartlett and seconded by Cllr R Holloway

Decision

That Dorset Council was unlikely to be able to meet any of the BCP Council unmet housing need without further work on the urban capacity and Green Belt review being undertaken, particularly in the light of the significant increase in housing targets proposed through the recent government consultation.

Reason for the decision

To respond to the formal request from BCP Council for Dorset Council to consider helping to meet the unmet need as required by the Duty to Cooperate.