Purbeck Local Development Framework

Development threat to Bere Regis

Did you know that Bere Regis has been designated as “A KEY VILLAGE” in the draft documents of the “Local Development Framework”? (See Peter Wharf’s article in the Oct. Parish Magazine pages 26-28)

Peter attempted to have this proposal removed but I understand that the attempt failed.

The “Local Development Framework” replaces the “Local Plan” and, once adopted, will set out development policies for the District for the period 2006-2026. The period of public consultation started at the end of September and continues until 4p.m. Friday 10th November 2006.

It is vitally important that as many people as possible let Purbeck District Council know what they think about the proposals concerning our village. Because of my involvement with BRRAD, several people asked me if I could contact others who would be willing to write/email the PDC and voice their concerns, so – I thought of all you readers!

In case you are too busy to read the whole thing, or your life cannot bear that much excitement, the points set out below may help you as they are some of the key points regarding Bere Regis, and list some areas of objection you might like to use.
It would be most helpful if you could make your letter as individual as possible. It will look too “organised” if we all just work our way down the list of points. What matters more than anything is that you write. To see how to contact them, click here

There is also going to be a special meeting of the Parish Council on Mon. 6th November in the Drax Hall at 7.00 P.M.This will be to formally receive the Plan, and to discuss the Council’s response to the draft proposals from PDC. The Council is eager to have a good public presence at this meeting and there will be ample opportunity for people to make their views known. Please try to attend and support our Council.

Key Points

On the map accompanying the Core strategy document Bere Regis is shown as a “key village” It is also designated as  “An area of search for the broad location of new housing development to be delivered through the release of Greenfield land.”
The other places similarly identified are Swanage, Wareham and Wool.

We know that the Grainger Trust is waiting in the wings with a proposal to build 300+ houses on the land to the south of Bere Stream but the above proposal is from PDC. It is not site specific. Therefore, if this becomes policy, it could act as a green light to other land owners and developers to bring forward their proposals.

Preferred Option 64 says:-

“To enhance existing shops, services, community facilities and employment opportunities provided in Bere Regis, supported by new development within the built up area and explore the opportunity for a small scale extension on the edge of Bere Regis, subject to the development of the existing employment allocation.”

The settlement Strategy states that :-

“Each village should form a focus for community life, through enhancements to their local centres and the provision of shops, services and community facilities to meet day to day needs. Where appropriate, small scale employment opportunities that meet identified local needs will provide the opportunity to enhance the local economy and reduce out-commuting to larger towns”

Comments ( apart from the grammar!)

There is very little opportunity for any increase in employment within the village that can be delivered by PDC or potential developers. We all know about the ineffective and under-used facilities in the Townsend Estate. Similarly they cannot deliver “enhanced” shops etc. There is no evidence that existing facilities are at risk of closure.

Bere Regis is a thriving community because of its size. An additional “dormitory style” development will be more likely to dilute this than enhance it.

Additional housing will mean additional traffic within the village and on the surrounding roads. This is contrary to PDC’s own Sustainability Policies which aim to reduce commuting. There is also very little public transport provision for the village.
The internal road structure is inadequate for major expansion and any development will have to feed into the existing road network.

In 2002 a Government Inspector ruled against the proposed major development in Bere Regis. What has changed?  

The only “key” element about Bere Regis is its position in the road network and the existence of developers eager to build on Greenfield sites. We cannot be compared with Swanage or Wareham (both towns with much better facilities) or with Wool, which has much better public transport facilities.

Additional housing will cause greater environmental impact in terms of  commuting  for work and leisure activities, school transport etc. it will also add considerably to the light pollution and traffic noise within the village. It will undoubtedly lead to loss of valued, informal open space amenities within the village and possibly threaten valuable “green corridors”

Our Parish Plan puts forward balanced proposals for development of housing, employment and tourism. This is what the Parish would like to see supported and adopted by PDC.

N.B Self- containment is at the heart of current planning policy.
 There is no way there will ever be enough employment in Bere Regis to make this possible. Therefore, all additional major development is bound to lead to additional commuting by car. Any suggestion otherwise is a pretence.

 The document states that allocation policies should be” most appropriate in all circumstances, having considered all the relevant alternatives, and that they are founded on a robust and credible evidence base”

On the basis of this statement It would seem that the proposals concerning Bere Regis are contrary to PDC policy.

The above are just a few ideas  you might like to use but please put them in your own words.

If you can think of anyone else who might write please pass this webpage on

If you are on e-mail and would be prepared to let me have your e-mail address it would make it easier to contact you if there is a future need for urgent action. You can contact me at this email

Thanks

Pat Chesney

2 Tower Hill, Bere Regis

01929 471 519

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