Public meeting about BCP Council Local Plan for Highcliffe and Walkford residents set for at St Mark’s Church Hall

RESIDENTS of Highcliffe and Walkford are invited to attend a special meeting where the new Local Plan will be discussed.

As reported in the A&T, the Local Plan sets out the projected number of homes to be built in each Christchurch ward up to 2039.

The largest number will be in Mudeford, Stanpit and West Highcliffe, with a planned 1,430 homes. The majority of these will be at Roeshot Hill, where land has been earmarked for the development of 875 homes and for which outline planning consent has already been granted.

Christchurch Town will take 950 properties, with permission already given for 450 at sites including the former magistrates’ court.

In Highcliffe and Walkford, it is anticipated around 585 homes will be be built; for Commons the figure has been put at 270; and Burton and Grange will likely see the creation of 130.

It is now out for public consultation, and a statement from local councillors Andy Martin, Adam Sofianos and David Martin said it is “important that as many residents as possible have their say before the document is sent to the planning inspectorate for independent examination”.

All comments made by residents about the new plan will be passed on to the independent examiner.

The meeting is being held by the parish council at St Mark’s Church Hall, Hinton Wood Avenue, at 7pm on Tuesday 26th March.

Local BCP and parish councillors will on hand to answer any questions.

Speaking at the meeting will be Cllr Margaret Phipps who has led the Local Plan process at BCP since May last year when the new administration came in and a review was started.

She said: “It is vital our local plan stands the test of time, and I’m confident that it will.”

Cllr Vicky Slade, leader and portfolio holder for dynamic places, said: “The local plan produces a clear and sustainable vision for our area while recognising and valuing the heritage of all three towns.”

The consultation will be available online until 1pm, 3rd May, at haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Representations can be also be sent to bcplocalplan@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

After the six-week consultation, subject to there being no major amendments, the document will be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval.