Published on Wednesday 20 July 2022
BCP Council has just published the results of its recent Issues and Options Consultation, which is an early stage in the process of delivering a new Local Plan for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Following a successful 10 week consultation, which closed at the end of March, the council is pleased to confirm the consultation generated one of the highest engagement levels to any previous consultation managed by BCP Council.
Almost 1000 full survey responses were received, and over 200 representations made by email or letter. A further 1290 targeted comments were also received using the interactive map facility - which was a new and innovative addition to the consultation process.
The Issues and Options Consultation document and survey, based around 10 key themes, was the most in-depth consultation ever carried out by the local authority. The consultation survey was available online, whilst summary survey forms and consultation documents were also available at every library across the BCP area.
This major consultation has been BCP Council’s most challenging and multifaceted to date. The council organised two Local Plan Live Q&A events across its corporate social media platforms. It also held four drop-in information events at libraries in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Three online workshops were also held with BCP Council’s Youth Forum, who are aged 13-19 years.
Councillor Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration, said: "By its very nature, this consultation was a big ask. Not only were we seeking a steer from the public on what was important to them ahead of starting work on the draft Local Plan, but we were also including ALL the major issues and options so that we didn’t rule out any site or opportunity. I’m so pleased that we adopted that approach, as the views of our residents, businesses and visitors can be used to better inform planning policy, in this open and transparent process.
"We are thrilled with not just the response rate, but also the awareness raised. We know that over 12,500 people engaged with the Local Plan consultation webpages, and although not all of those filled out every part of the consultation, they are now aware of the journey we are embarking on.
"Developing a Local Plan for the BCP area will be a key driver in us delivering the aspirations in our Big Plan. Our beautiful area is a unique and special coastal region, and these consultation results will inform the next steps in the process. With this in mind, it’s important that we get it right. That is why we’ve reviewed our timelines and will be seeking Cabinet support for this."
Currently, BCP Council is working under three Local Plans for each separate area, inherited from preceding councils. You can view these Local Plans and more information about the Issues and Options Consultation by visiting www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/localplan. The creation of one Local Plan for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is essential, and is now expected to be agreed by the end of 2024.
Councillor Broadhead added: "I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part and provided their views. This autumn we plan to undertake targeted engagement with local communities with the support of our well connected Community Engagement Team. Prior to drafting a Local Plan for our area, we need to ensure that we can balance the delivery of housing, jobs and infrastructure to meet our future needs, alongside our commitment to tackle climate change and protect our green spaces and coastline. The views of the people most impacted, especially our younger generations, is going to be vital in the process."
Next week, BCP Council’s Cabinet will consider the revised timetable and ongoing engagement plans to support the creation of a new Local Plan for the BCP area.
You can view the report here: BCP Local Plan Update and Local Development Scheme revision.pdf (bcpcouncil.gov.uk).
The full consultation results are also available here: haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/localplan