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COUNCILLORS MARGARET PHIPPS AND VANESSA RICKETTS
BCP COUNCIL UPDATE
BCP Local Plan
Margaret is the Council’s Lead Member for the Local Plan. You may be aware that the BCP Draft Local Plan which was submitted to Government in June 2024, went through the start of its examination process earlier this year. Unfortunately, the Inspectors deemed that it was not sound as they said we had not engaged sufficiently with neighbouring Councils such as Dorset and Hampshire, for them to take up any shortfall in housing numbers. This was very disappointing as our draft Plan had been compiled using the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in place at the time of submission, which allowed for the use of evidenced local housing need figures if exceptional circumstances could be demonstrated. Our local housing need was set at 1600 homes per annum over 15 years.
Because of the Inspectors’ decision, BCP Council has now formally withdrawn the submitted Plan. We really had no choice but to do so. A new BCP Local Plan will now be prepared which will have to use the housing figures in the new NPPF which has been published by the current Government. This means we will have to allocate space for around 3000 homes per annum, almost double the amount envisaged. This will involve a new green belt survey to identify which areas might meet the new criteria of “grey belt”. It will undoubtedly also mean higher densities in urban areas. We are very concerned that Christchurch could lose a lot of its green space to be concreted over for housing which the Government has set at double our evidenced local need.
In July this year BCP will commence the process with a “Call for Sites” which will invite the public, landowners and developers to submit potential development sites for inclusion in the new Local Plan. During September and October there will be public engagement and resident associations will be able ask for a “roadshow” visit by BCP where the public can engage directly in the process.
Christchurch Harbour Protection
Vanessa’s petition for a Christchurch Harbour Protection Policy, which raised over 4400 signatures, was met with unanimous support at Council and was referred to the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, The demonstration outside of the Council Offices on the night was the largest peaceful protest seen by BCP and was hailed by Councillors in the Chamber as the most polite protest as well, due to calls such as, “What do we want? A Harbour Protection Policy, PLEASE!”
Vanessa presented residents’ concerns regarding pollution and the environmental impact on the Harbour at the Environment and Place Committee in May. Again this received unanimous support and has been added to the committee’s work programme with a goal of having a protection policy in place as part of the new Local Plan submission. Vanessa has now stepped down as Secretary of the Christchurch Harbour and Marine Society (CH&MS) in order to be able to contribute to the work of the Committee to develop the policy.
Standards Committee
Vanessa’s work as Chairman of Standards continues and she has been working with the Monitoring Officer to develop a better, more transparent, process for complaints which will be considered at the next meeting of the Committee in July.
Licence Application
For information, Big Wigs Bakery in Marlow Drive has lodged an application for Recorded Music and Supply of Alcohol (on and off sales), 07.30 to 2300 for 7 days per week.
Corner of The Grove
We understand that Fortitudo run by Richard Carr has ceased trading. You will recall that he has planning permission for a Takeaway at the Corner of The Grove/Barrack Road. This site is now up for sale, see PDF
https://propertylinkassets.estatesgazette.com/images/20250404/1-125835449.pdf
Contact
If you would like us to keep you up to date directly with local information from time to time, please send your e mail address to Margaret at – margaret.phipps@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
As always, feel free to contact us on any issue.
We would both like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support
Cllr. Margaret Phipps – margaret.phipps@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
- Tel: 01202 478266
Cllr. Vanessa Ricketts – vanessa.ricketts@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
– Tel: 07760 391467
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