Purpose

Consultation
on the proposed changes to the planning system including a draft revised
national Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Responses were invited by 24 September
2024.

Content

Decision

 

That the response to the consultation questions, as set out
in Appendix 1 of the report to Cabinet – 10 September 2024, be submitted to Government
by the 24 September deadline. The suggested responses included support for
many of the proposals, but concern about the effects of the increased housing
targets for Dorset.

 

Reason for the decision

 

The proposed changes could support the council’s strategic
priorities of driving economic prosperity and creating sustainable development
and housing, but the significant increase in housing targets was likely to
conflict with the aim of protecting the natural environment, climate and
ecology, due to the environmental constraints of Dorset.

 

Introducing new targets so quickly would result in much
development taking place as a result of the “presumption in favour of
sustainable development” rather than through the more strategic plan-led
approach.