Dorset Review Campaign to Protect Rural England - In this issue Housing Targets Forming an Action Group District Group updates Events
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The
Dorset Review
Campaign to Protect Rural England
In this issue
• Housing Targets
• Forming an Action Group
• District Group updates
• Events
Autumn 2016 Branch News Issue 107
CONTENTS CHAIR’S REPORT
2–3 Stand up for the Countryside
3 Shaun Spiers AGM Guest
Speaker
4–5 Poole and Purbeck Group
5 Dorset Best Village Shop
6 Forming an Action Group
7 Open Day at Waterston Manor
8–9 The Sherborne and District
Society
10 Dorset & East Devon NP
Proposal
11 Litter Campaigns
12 West Dorset Group
13 Hengistbury Head
Trustees Meeting 9th September 2016
14–15 Progress towards our 2026
Vision
16 North Dorset Group To say this has been an eventful year not only allowed us to use her house
18–19 East Dorset Group must be the understatement of the and grounds, but who gave so much of
year. However, I can begin my report her time in pursuing the Judicial Review.
20 Minerals and Waste in Dorset with news of our outstanding success.
21 Best Dorset Village Shop
The Judicial Review concerning the Housing and Village Shops
Mapperton Solar Park was won with However, despite our successes, we now
22 Brian May’s Wood our help. Also, applications for turbines face a deluge of new housing in both
in Dorset have come to a halt. In rural Dorset and urban areas. In fact the
23 CPRE Recent Publications regard to both turbines and solar government is demanding that by 2030
24–25 Flooding panel applications I must thank all Dorset must build 73,000 houses. This
those CPRE members and committee will in effect mean that the population
25 NFU Open Day members who put so much time, effort of Dorset will rise by at least 150,000.
and commitment to defeating the However, I see no plans as to how we are
26 Obituaries
applications. I would put on record my to cope with such a rise in population,
27 Dorset CPRE Membership appreciation of the work and expertise especially in terms of infrastructure and
of Richard Buxton, our solicitor, and our local services. Regarding local services,
28 Contacts barrister who played such a large part there is also an increasing problem for
in our success in the outcome of the many of our older members, mainly
Judicial Review. Also not to forget Dr women with no means of transport, in
David Peacock, a long-time member of that many villages now have no bus
the CPRE, for his time and expertise in service or shop.
advising the Branch on matters relating Regarding village shops, the Branch
Protecting Dorset to renewable energy. has been active in encouraging villagers
Campaign to Protect Rural England to use their local shop where there is one.
The contents of this publication are intended Fundraising We sponsor a prize for the best Dorset
as guidance and general interest. It does not Another great success was this year’s village shop. Here my thanks goes out
constitute legal advice and can be no substitute Open Day held at Waterston Manor, to Rupert Hardy for his enthusiasm
for considered advice on specific problems. and we owe this to the hard work and and commitment, and it is through his
Although every effort has been made to ensure
the accuracy of the information printed in this organisational skills of Katharine Butler work that that I was invited to attend
publication, Campaign to Protect and her jolly band of helpers. Even the the Dorset Best Village Awards at Cerne
Rural England cannot accept weather was on our side, and not only Abbas Village Hall held in September.
liability for errors and omissions.
The views expressed in this
did we gain new members but raised
publication are not necessarily substantial sums for the Branch and for Green Belt
those of CPRE. groups who had successfully opposed There is now a growing confusion over
Front Cover image – Pearson family enjoying unacceptably damaging renewable the future of our Green Belt sites, which
views of Kimmeridge. One of the entries in the energy applications. Our thanks must are mainly located in East Dorset. On
Dorset CPRE Photographic competition. go especially to Katharine Butler who this matter we continue to receive
2 DORSET Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting Dorset
conflicting views as to their future. On Purbeck, Weymouth and Portland and Proposed Dorset and East
one hand we are given assurances that Dorset County Council should be split
they are safe, whilst the reality simply up to form two large unitary councils.
Devon National Park
In concluding, I would say that in order
proves the opposite. On this subject I The consultation runs until October, and
to combat some of the changes we
would like to thank Janet Healy for her it is most important that we all take part
face, Sandra Brown, a Branch Trustee,
hard work and commitment in defending in it. I along with Dick Heaslip attended
has been working with a team to create
the Green Belt, not only locally, but a County Council meeting in Dorchester
a National Park for Dorset, which if
nationally. We must also keep a close eye where Councillors expressed their views.
successful will spill over into East Devon.
on the Dorset AONB. For example, under This is a contentious issue, and as well as
If once achieved, it will give greater
the West Dorset Local Plan it allows for the requirement to build 73, 000 houses
control over planning matters, and allow
an urban extension in the Weymouth by 2030 in Dorset will be a matter for
for not only more affordable houses
area that will spill over into the AONB. debate by Dorset CPRE Trustees and our
for local people to be built, but protect
We are also faced with an increase in Countryside Forum.
Dorset from overdevelopment. Again,
the number of developments allowed
the amount of work and commitment
outside development boundaries, all of Mineral and Waste policies by Sandra and her husband Richard has
which take time and effort on the part of Given the expected rise in population,
been exceptional. However, as with any
local CPRE Groups trying to counter this. waste collection and its disposal as well
such scheme, there are still obstacles
as the extraction of minerals will be a
to overcome, but I will be able to give
Future of Dorset’s councils real issue for the Dorset CPRE Branch.
a fuller report on any progress at our
I also would draw members’ attention to Here we are lucky to have the expertise
forthcoming AGM.
the reorganisation of Local Government of Dr John Larkin. Evidence of his
Richard Nicholls
that is now under way. The general knowledge and persistence in pursuing
proposal is that Dorset is split into Mineral and Waste policies can be found
two Unitary Councils. There are five in his contributions to the Dorset Review Chair of Trustees
options out for consultation as to how over many years, and we do owe a debt
Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, of gratitude to the way he has pursued
East Dorset, North Dorset, West Dorset, his remit.
SHAUN SPIERS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF CPRE, AGM GUEST SPEAKER
We are delighted that
Shaun will join us on
19th November for our
AGM at Cerne Abbas
Village Hall. Current
proposals are to start
the AGM at 10am and
have lunch at 1pm.
Please return the
enclosed A4 booking
form.
Shaun has led
CPRE since 2004 and
is responsible to the
Trustee Board for the
overall leadership
and development
of CPRE and its
policies, promotion
and administration.
Previously he was
chief executive
of ABCUL, the Shaun Spiers
credit union trade
association. From 1994 to 1999, he was an MEP for the You can read Shaun’s latest views in his blog on
South East, serving on the European Parliament’s Agriculture www.cpreviewpoint.wordpress.com and follow him on Twitter
and Rural Affairs Committee. He is a trustee of Sustain, the @ShaunSpiers1. Shaun is also Guest Speaker at the society
alliance for food and farming, and was a founder trustee of dinner hosted by the Sherborne and District Society on 18th
Civic Voice. November, at Sherborne Golf Club, 7pm for 7.30pm.
Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting Dorset DORSET 3
POOLE AND PURBECK GROUP
HOUSING AVALANCHE THREATENS POOLE’S
ENVIRONMENT AND GREEN BELT
Poole Local Plan 2. Building higher densities in Poole, or
Poole Planners are proposing a major 3. Building over our protected Green Belt.
increase in house building for Poole in We have now got a letter from the
the draft Poole Local Plan. Under pressure Minister of State for Housing which
from Central Government they want totally torpedoes the draft Poole
to increase our building rate from 500 Local Plan. He says “the Government
homes a year to 710. This means that has put in place the strongest
we would have to build 14,200 extra protections for the Green Belt. The
homes in the next 20 years. This massive Green Belt boundaries should be adjusted
increase will put a major pressure on our only in exceptional circumstances …and
environment, Green Belt and Quality of with the support of local people. We have
Life. But it is not just Poole: Bournemouth been repeatedly clear that demand for
wants to build 19,580 and Christchurch houses alone will not change Green Belt
4,820 extra homes. This total of 38,600 boundaries.” I am sure that the Residents
additional homes means some 50,000 will not agree to these proposals if the
extra cars and 5,000 commercial vehicles Council follows the Minister’s policy.
in the conurbation. Can you imagine the
gridlock this will cause? Have you tried New development sites
to drive across The Plan proposes 31 new development submitted to the Council a detailed Plan
the conurbation sites in the urban area on top of the 13 for the Old Town and the Hamworthy
recently in the sites already planned. For instance they development sites. This is currently being
rush hour? It want to build some 40 flats on half the reviewed by a Planning Inspector, and
will cause chaos Beach Road carpark nearest to the sea, then will be submitted to a Referendum
and serious air which will reduce facilities for visiting of all residents and commercial bodies
pollution. In total tourists. However the Beach Road carpark who are based in the designated Area.
they want Dorset has been under used because of the very We hope to have the plan approved by
to build 73,160 poor access signage. But residents beware: November. Once approved the Forum will
extra homes – the Seafront Development Plan includes have substantial planning power in the
which will put developing the Canford Cliffs Library for Area and will be able to decide on how
major pressure housing – which is a critical asset for our to spend about 25% of the Community
on our Areas of Community. It also proposes 9 sites in the Infrastructure Levy – worth over £100,000.
Outstanding Green Belt for some 5,580 homes.
Natural Beauty, Affordable Housing
our County heritage and our rural villages. Poole Core Strategy Poole has a desperate need for
Before we had this Local Plan we had Affordable Housing, but developers have
Housing Needs Analysis the Poole Core Strategy to control been very slow in submitting Planning
The Planners have got their analysis wrong. development. But we are very worried that Applications for the 8 brownfield sites.
After they developed the “Housing Needs they are not enforcing the Core Strategy. They are refusing to provide 40% of the
Analysis”, as laid down by Government, A developer has got Planning Permission new houses as Affordable, as laid down in
they were meant to adjust the total for an 8 storey building next to the the Core Strategy– so the Pilkington Tiles
allowing for Poole’s Environmental RNLI, and permission for development site is the only one being progressed.
Constraints. Poole has probably got of the Salterns Marina and Hotel. They Gallaghers have now withdrawn their
more environmental constraints than both breach the Core Strategy in terms application for the Power Station site, as
ANY OTHER town in Britain: we have the of height, build density and lack of has the developer for the railway Goods
sea on the South, Poole Bay on the West, recreational Open Space. At Salterns, the Yard site, where they wanted to build
European protected Dorset Heathland developer wants to build a 7 storey block 300+ flats by moving the rail station 80
and Green Belt to the North, and solid of 73 apartments, and double the Salterns yards to the North.
Bournemouth development to the East. hotel with 7 storeys. These will be visual If all this development is allowed Poole
So we do not have realistic space for this carbuncles on our precious Poole Bay. will no longer be a “Beautiful Place” – as
over-development. As you know, Salterns has only a narrow our logo used to say. Residents’ Quality
To achieve this avalanche of houses, access road, and so all this development of Life will seriously deteriorate with
Planners are consulting Poole residents would be down this road. traffic congestion, pollution, reduction in
about where the extra houses should Green Open Space, loss of Green Belt and
Local Neighbourhood Plans
Terry Stewart
go in their draft Local Plan. They offer 3 over-development.
alternatives: The Government has encouraged Localism
1. Building taller buildings in the centre and local democracy by encouraging
of Poole, submissions of Local Neighbourhood
Plans. A very professional Forum has
4 DORSET Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting Dorset
Impact on the Purbeck Individual Sites:
economy and communities: Individual sites proposed for housing
Purbeck communities are concerned development present serious issues of
about the impact which PDC’s various kinds. Such issues require full and
proposals would have on the proper evaluation before the sites can be
character of communities seriously included in any acceptable plan.
and the local economy. At this stage it is surprising that the PDC
Research commissioned documentation states little about any such
by DCC and published in early issues. To assist in this matter, we would
2016 indicates that Dorset’s greatest comment on the salient points as follows :-
economic asset is its environment. a) specific site nomination appears
A follow on independent study premature in the apparent absence of a
suggests how a National Park would relevant register of ‘brownfields’ that
bring significant opportunities and are not in areas requiring protection.
Purbeck Local Plan benefits for Dorset’s economy and b) substantial numbers of houses added to
In July we responded to the consultation communities. The quality of Purbeck’s communities with limited or inadequate
on the partial review of the Purbeck Local natural environment and heritage was facilities will make bad situations worse.
Plan. The observations and comments assessed, in a 2015 study for the Royal c) fostering / encouraging / imposing
we submitted are: Society of Arts (RSA), as in the top 4% commuting indicates non-collaboration
nationally. Tourism and associated with those planning authorities
SHMA methodology – services represent a significant part of providing employment opportunities.
inappropriate and inadequate Purbeck’s economy. Disproportionate d The proposed housing site in Wool
assessment of housing need: development would have a very disregards available knowledge about
We do not accept the suggested housing negative impact on Purbeck’s economy legitimate constraints including
need figures which are produced by the and communities. information about parking, sewage
national SHMA methodology as relevant treatment, schooling, lack of
or appropriate to Purbeck or our local Need for affordable housing: employment opportunities, wildlife
communities. Such data, though they A significant aspect of Purbeck’s habitats and opposition from The Army.
purport to reflect Objectively Assessed housing need relates to affordable It is unclear how such a large number
Need (OAN), do nothing of the kind. The rather than market housing. Many local of houses fulfil any reasonable need in
resulting “housing needs assessments” people cannot afford the high prices of that locality.
are in reality just the output of a statistical market housing in Purbeck. Affordable e) The proposed Lytchett Minster site also
exercise. The figures do not reflect local housing is needed in order to retain and disregards available information about
housing needs at community or district attract young people and key workers, its constraints and would effectively
level. and to support local employment and overwhelm the existing facilities with
skills. But neither national policy nor obvious ‘over-development’ effects
Constraints on Purbeck’s PDC’s proposals address this need. (created by 650 extra houses) upon
capacity to accommodate the small current community of
additional housing: Infrastructure constraints: approximately 150 voters in about 110
The SHMA statistical estimates of housing Concerns about local infrastructure, premises.
need do not reflect the area’s capacity to including road capacity and traffic f) The sites affecting AONBs, “Green
accommodate housing development. problems, as well as health and other Belt Zones” and the setting of the
Especially in an area like Purbeck – public services, are raised by the high World Heritage Site are generally
almost entirely within the Dorset AONB numbers of houses proposed by PDC. unacceptable unless a proven non-
and where the natural environment and optional need exists. Such a criterion
cultural heritage are recognised as of Neighbourhood Plans reflect must involve valid actual evidence –
National Park quality – the environment local needs: as distinct from a notional statistical
places constraints on development. A growing number of communities projection of some general data that
Purbeck has the highest levels of have developed, consulted on and cannot, by definition, be relevant to the
biodiversity anywhere in the UK, and agreed Neighbourhood Plans based on community concerned.
relevant areas are designated accordingly. their assessment of local needs and g) The proposed site at Upton could be
The SHMA national methodology takes preferences. Higher level Local Plans made to work if enough attention is
no account of locally assessed needs should take account of and respect such paid to developing / maintaining wild
nor environmental constraints. Ministers community planning. For example, life corridors and the integrity of the
have said that local planning authorities Arne PC’s outline Neighbourhood Plan Green Belt Zone.
should consider such factors, and propose considers possible provision for about 40 The consultation closed on 12th August
changes accordingly, when the SHMA new homes to meet local need. The PC’s 2016 and all responses are now being
Gerald Rigler
data are received. But Purbeck District assessment of need differs markedly analysed by PDC.
Council (PDC) has made no effort to from the 500 houses at West Wareham
do this, nor did the Planning Inspector in Arne parish which are proposed in the
understand local needs or environmental Local Plan Partial Review.
and other constraints. Group Chairman
Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting Dorset DORSET 5
FORMING AN ACTION GROUP
GUIDANCE FOR FORMING &
FIGHTING AN EFFECTIVE
ACTION GROUP CAMPAIGN
AGAINST PLANNING
APPLICATIONS (PAs)
Background and Purpose
There has always been the need for effective local campaigning
but this is now much increased due to the disruptive changes Protestors at Mapperton including Katharine Butler’s father, Sir
occurring within the Local Planning Authorities (LPAs). CPRE Michael Butler, who died in December 2013, 2nd to left in front row
(Dorset) will invariably be involved with relevant Projects but
has increasingly to rely on Communities leading & funding in to the LPA (when timely) and mass attendance at the eventual
their own backyards! The key to success is to form an Action LPA Hearing. This will be supplemented by commissioning of a
Group (AG) with its own funding and to build up quickly a Data suitable Report from a Consultant covering Landscape, Heritage
Base of maximum numbers of supporters to establish the Action and any other major issues. There will be briefing of Planning
Group’s legitimacy, for speaking authoritatively on behalf of the Board members (through your own District Councillor), other
Community. Statutory bodies – and of the Media.
Forming your Action Group Other possible actions
General Public Contribution
The key requirements are Leadership, Coordination/Delegation & Even before the PA is lodged with the LPA, get your supporters’
quality Administration. An ideal set up would be say 6-12 persons names on to the Database (door to door canvassing using all AG
with (possibly) a Figure Head Chairman, a Meetings’ Chairperson members is the quickest & cheapest way) using your letter/leaflet
& Secretary (husband/wife is best option), and others who might plus a Community Briefing in the village hall. Once the PA is
have some experience with Fund Raising, Planning, Legal & lodged, the Parish Council may want (and indeed should do) their
Media matters. Include a CPRE rep. own statutory trawl to elicit the Public view. It’s essential to keep
up Public momentum by regular e-mail updates (Newsletters) –
First Steps remembering that you will want them to write to the LPA (in due
Choose a good AG Name. Set up a simple web site with an easy course) and to attend the Hearing. Well placed Signboards are
(memorable} Domaine name. Instant start-up funds are usually the best way to keep the issue alive in the wider public mind –
provided by each Action Group member writing out a cheque – plus Media coverage.
not least to serve as an example to others. Then prepare your
first letter/Leaflet for publicity purposes – see also later. Make Lobbying of Landowners. Only relevant if the PA has
your Meetings fun by including a touch of hospitality with a
detailed Agenda to save time and Jaw-Jaw! E-mail is essential
not been lodged
The aim is to ensure that it never is lodged! Can be hugely
for all AG members. A separate Information gathering exercise
effective through “many lobbying letters”, Media pressure (Name
is recommended (special briefing required).
& Shame), Threat of legal action for damages, a Petition – and
a March or Demonstration using Public Footpaths on their land.
Aim & Strategy
The aim of your Group will invariably be “To prevent the Planning
Julien Turner
For further briefing contact your local District Group.
Application being approved”. This will be based on a strategy of
liaison with the LPA, wide & timely dissemination of information
to your supporters and the wider Public to enable them to write
Crown Meadows party
6 DORSET Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting Dorset
OPEN DAY AT WATERSTON MANOR
A big thank you to all our members who visited the gardens on
10th July and to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make
it a success. Just under £7,500 was raised. Proceeds from the
Open Day totalling almost £3,300 went to Dorset CPRE after
deducting costs, clearing No Slyers Lane Turbines’ account
balance and Mapperton Preservation Group’s legal costs.
'Ming' vase was found by Tess and
Sebastian Hough, and Luke Russell
“Ming Vase” discovered during treasure
hunt
After 3 hours of intense searching and puzzling over the clues,
the ‘Ming’ vase was discovered hidden in the fishpond or ‘rill’
in front of Waterston manor. It was dangling on fish wire, and
was pulled out by Tess and Sebastian Hough and Luke Russell,
egged on by Tito Butler.
The vase is a 12cm Ming style vase previously in the collection
Tess and Sebastian Hough with 'Ming' vase’ of the Duke of Wellington and bought by Katharine in 2015.
The answer to the nine clues was ‘intherill’.
Georgina Tichy, Richard Norman and Rupert Hardy speaking to visitors at Open Day
Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting Dorset DORSET 7
THE SHERBORNE AND DISTRICT SOCIETY
Local Plan supporting their approved Development The first meeting of the NP working
Plan. I am sure you can see the Society’s group of Sherborne District Council
Every six months when I sit at my
and the Yetminster Parish Council’s (YPC) (Councillor representatives, the Town
computer to prepare the report for the
frustrations at this turn of events, which Clerk and myself) has recently taken
Dorset Review I have a sense of déjà vu,
if repeated elsewhere will completely take place. It has been agreed that although
and wonder if we will ever have a Local
away ones faith in the planning system, if we see some significant challenges ahead
Plan (LP) which seems to make sense
one had any in the first place! (see my initial section on the LP above,)
and is applied rigorously to planning
We and the YPC have involved Sir Oliver that a Community Led process to develop
applications. I have to say to date I see
Letwin in this matter and he is being a NP should commence. In due course
no evidence that this is the case locally.
supportive. He asked for the Folly Farm there will be public discussion of the
Some of the current planning decisions,
housing application on Thornford Road process, a Steering Group established,
particularly regarding those at Yetminster,
to be called in and the Minister refused and work commenced on the plan. I hope
appear to me and your committee as
the request on 21st September. We now that some of our members will be able to
illogical. An application for development
have 6 weeks to see if there is a case for contribute to this process.
on a greenfield site on the Thornford
Judicial Review and have started legal
Road, having previously been rejected
by the planning committee, was recently
consultations on this matter. What a pity Bradford Road
that CPRE couldn’t get the Neighbourhood After several months in gestation
approved on re-application with strong
right of Appeal into the Housing Bill. It Quantum’s ideas for the Sherborne
pressure from the planning officers for
seems to me invidious that developers can Hotel site were revealed at an Exhibition
this decision. In the meantime an appeal
appeal a decision but a Parish Council that in July and I hope that many of you
is about to take place over another site
might object strongly to a development contributed to their consultation. The
on the Ryme road. In view of the previous
has no say, other than expressing a view proposal includes a hotel of 24 rooms, a
decision I am at a loss to know how the
and cannot appeal against a planning large function room and assisted living
appeal will be fought by the Council.
decision unless it is a matter suitable for accommodation in flats and houses, with
The background is that both of these
judicial review. supporting facilities. Although I am sure
proposals are outside the Defined
there will be mixed views regarding their
Development Boundary (DDB) for
Yetminster and do not meet the criteria
Consultations proposals, there is need to get a hotel
In the Spring Review I reported on our back on the site and whilst we might
laid down in the LP for such developments.
meeting with the Councils’ strategic not agree with everything, maybe what
In addition, although Yetminster is
planners at which they suggested we they propose is the best option available.
seen as a sustainable location for some
opened a dialogue with the Sherborne Currently Quantum are amending their
development, the LP makes it clear that
Castle Estates. This we have done, and to ideas, based on the views expressed in
this should be agreed via a Neighbourhood
date have had two useful meetings, one July, for example seeing how more parking
Plan (NP). The village has just started
with the Estates’ professional advisers and for the hotel can be incorporated ,and will
on this path which will be completely
the other with Mr Edward Wingfield Digby be putting in a planning application in the
circumvented if these developments
and the Estates manager. Whilst we differ next few weeks. The intention is to hold
proceed, with an increase in population
in the approach to developments around a final public exhibition of the designs in
of around 40%. This isn’t what any of us
Sherborne I have some confidence that the Sherborne Girls School from 15th to
expected when we helped to formulate
we will be able to influence them when 17th December.
‘‘
the LP several years ago.
the review of the LP takes place in the next Restful Homes have put in their
year or so. There is some advantage in applications for a Nursing Home on
Indeed if the intention having one major landowner surrounding the Girls School site on the corner with
was for villages, such as the Town and encompassing some of Horsecastles Lane. We considered the
Yetminster, to carry this the villages as well, as any greenfield parking was inadequate but the application
development will almost certainly be was approved without any modifications.
amount of development on their land, so if we can ensure that Similarly Bovis have submitted their
shouldn’t it have been these can be kept to reasonable
proportions (I doubt we can now
spelt out in the LP and stop all any further development t
’’
debated during its in Sherborne) and dwellings are of
good design, then speculative and
consultation process? over-development will be avoided.
We had hoped that the Council would What was clear is that the Estates
have stuck to its guns on the Thornford also are not happy with how the
Road application and let this be decided at Barton Farm housing scheme has
appeal. However, having taken barristers progressed but due to the way
advice they believe that the DDB argument the land was sold have had no
will carry insufficient weight and the influence over design. They have
fact that an NP is in progress no weight indicated that this wouldn’t happen
either. Hence they appear to be ‘running again. We will maintain contact Sherborrne Hotel proposal July 2016 Artist’s impression
scared’ (maybe for financial reasons) of and report to members as required. of potential architecture for the hotel
8 DORSET Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting Dorset
Award for Geography
I recently attended the Gryphon School
Prize Giving Ceremony for year 13 on
Saturday 17th September in Sherborne
Abbey. The Sherborne and District
Society CPRE award for Geography
went to Arabella Hodgson, from Oborne.
Sherborne Hotel Site For identification purposes only, not to any scale Arabella is now going on to read Law at
Kings College, London.
application for the Bradford Road North Other Developments
site (you will remember permission for Tinney’s Lane Youth Centre
Bradfords have put in a revised plan for
this development was granted at appeal).
their warehouse at Barton Farm. As this One of our objectives is ‘to strive to
Personally I am surprised that this hasn’t
is designated land for their categories enhance the quality of life in a congenial,
received final reserved matters approval,
of business and as they had improved cultured, caring community for all in our
as several of us spent many hours with
the landscaping etc. we have indicated area especially concerning housing, work,
Bovis trying to get good designs for the
we have no objections to this proposal. leisure and transport’. With this is mind
site. I wonder why, given my earlier
Maybe the site which they release could the Society’s Committee have agreed a
comments, the housing supply hasn’t
be become available for housing, which grant of £500 to be paid to the Tinney’s
been enhanced by agreeing to these
would relieve pressure on the greenfield Lane Youth Centre, which recently lost
proposals, which should be infinitely
sites in the future. I will report on this its Dorset Council Funding. We are fully
better, than the Barton Farm site. It
when I hear anything further. The Old supportive of the work the new charity
seems we get approval rapidly for things
Laundry site at Coldharbour has seen will do for the Youth of the Town.
we don’t want but delays on things that
designs created for a small housing
have already been granted in principle!
development. I have been in consultation
The Girls School Music Centre has been
with the developer’s representative and
approved. We supported this initiative
from what I can see I expect we will
which will enhance both the Schools’
support the proposals. In principle we will
facilities but will also be an addition to the
support brownfield site applications, in
facilities available to the local community,
line with national CPRE policy.
which is a good thing.
The Sherborne Boys School have put
in an application for a new Sports Hall,
Protecting our Local behind their all-weather football pitches
Villages off Lenthay road. Whilst we have some
I have written extensively already reservations of the impact of the building
regarding Yetminster and we will continue on a gateway into Sherborne, we have John West our Treasurer presenting cheque
to support the village against its over indicated support with these reservations for £500 to Mike Hatch Chairman of the
development with all the resources at raised. We supported the new classroom Friends of Tinneys at its official launch
our disposal. I understand that a new block at the Gryphon and this has been in September after its takeover from the
application for a small development in approved. We objected to the two houses County Council
Bishops Caundle will be re-submitted on Bristol Road opposite to the Gryphon
shortly. We supported the original School entrance (again development Events
proposals for development on a brown field outside a DDB) but this was approved by In order to better understand the
site and with a good scheme for affordable the Planning Committee. interface between rural and urban issues,
houses. I expect we will do so again, once Shaun Leavey, one of our committee
we have seen the final plans. We objected members, is liaising with a local farmer
to a housing scheme in Holwell, which was to organise a farm visit at some time in
refused by the Planning Committee but the near future. Once this is finalised we
has now gone to appeal. will invite members to attend.
Mixed success has been achieved in It has been decided to re-instigate the
Milborne Port. The appeal relating to Society Dinner. This will take place on
a development at Gainsborough Road November 18th, 2016, at the Sherborne
was rejected by the Inspector, on the Golf Club, at 7pm for 7.30pm. Shaun
ground of adverse effect on heritage and Spiers, Chief Executive of CPRE, is our
landscape, which was excellent news. Guest Speaker. Full details will be sent to
However, the appeal against refusal of
Peter Neal
members.
the Solar Farm at the other end of the
village was successful, where landscape
issues appear to have been rejected. It Peter Neal presenting The Sherborne and
makes one question the consistency of Group Chairman
District Society Award for Geography to
Inspectors’ judgements? Arabella Hodgson
Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting Dorset DORSET 9
DORSET & EAST DEVON NATIONAL PARK PROPOSAL
A National Park will benefit Dorset’s all of Dorset. The economic benefits go well beyond tourism.
National Parks attract inward business investment, promote
economy and communities as well as skills, encourage apprenticeships, and build partnerships with
the environment. the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, helping partners
There is no doubt about the high quality of Dorset’s natural to secure additional funding. They work with famers to secure
environment and cultural heritage. From the World Heritage agri-environment funds and project funding for schemes such
“Jurassic” Coast to Dorset’s heritage towns and villages, from as food enterprise zones.
the Ridgeways with their 1,000 Bronze Age barrows and The Government wants National Parks to be at the centre
imposing Iron Age hill forts to the atmospheric heaths – of successful, resilient economies and thriving communities in
Dorset’s environment has so much to offer. The diversity of its England’s finest rural areas.
geology is reflected in diverse landscapes and farms, and in National Parks are specialized local authorities, run by local
the biodiversity for which Dorset is famous. people, and funded by central government. A Dorset & E Devon
So it’s no wonder that, when Natural England launched NP is likely to attract around £10m pa in central government
a Designations Review, a team presented evidence in 2013 grant. A NP is the planning authority for its area. As National
in support of their proposal that the Dorset and East Devon Parks are not subject to government housing targets, they
AONBs, including the World Heritage Coast, together with what are well placed to work closely with local communities to
remains of Thomas Hardy’s Egdon Heath should be designated promote Neighbourhood Plans and to develop and implement
a National Park. This wasn’t a new idea. A Dorset National Park a Local Plan that reflects local needs. Community involvement
was recommended in an official report in 1945, and, while in National Park planning chimes well with an aspiration
others have gone ahead, most recently the South Downs NP to increase the role of parishes and towns as part of local
in 2011, Dorset has unfinished business! Natural England has government reorganization.
undertaken a first sift and shortlisted this proposal for further
assessment. National Parks are not against
What would a National Park offer Dorset? development
A National Park would benefit Dorset’s economy and National Parks are not against development; indeed, they
communities as well as the environment. A report for Dorset approve a higher percentage of planning applications, and do so
County Council earlier this year emphasised that Dorset’s faster, than other local authorities. This is because NP planning
greatest economic asset is its environment, worth around staff work proactively with communities and others to achieve
£1.5bn a year. In Dorset, the economy and the environment appropriate development in the right locations. National Parks
are two sides of the same coin. But this report and others have a good record of supporting the development of affordable
by the Dorset Local Nature Partnership also show that homes for local people and keeping them affordable so that
our environment is, on various measures, continuing to young people and key workers can remain in and be attracted
deteriorate; we are not maintaining the value of our important to the NP area, something which Dorset needs.
environmental assets and natural capital. A follow-on report A Dorset National Park may take 5 or 6 years to come into
by independent consultants draws on wide-ranging research being. That timescale would allow new Unitary arrangements
to illustrate how a National Park would restore and add value to and a Combined Authority to bed down. The NP would fit in
Dorset’s environment and economy, in various ways. and work efficiently with new arrangements, bringing valuable
A National Park would provide a significant and sustained additional resources and expertise to all its partners.
economic stimulus to Dorset. It would do this partly by
working with a wide range of partners to take better care of our Latest progress
environment. We are familiar with a NP’s duty to conserve and More evaluation is needed and the National Park opportunity
enhance the natural environment and cultural heritage, and to has been remitted to Dorset County Council’s Economic Growth
promote enjoyment and understanding of the area’s special Overview and Scrutiny Committee. DCC joins North Dorset
qualities. DC, West Dorset DC and Purbeck DC in committing to further
evaluation and scrutiny of the National Park proposal and its
potential benefits for Dorset. Such evaluation has received
A National Park would work in close cross party and cross county support, and has been widely
partnership with communities welcomed by local communities. The NP Team looks forward to
Less well-known is a NP’s third duty: to seek to foster the playing its part in this timely evaluation and scrutiny process.
economic and social well-being of its communities. A National
Park would work in close partnership with communities, other
local authorities, local businesses, farmers and landowners, For further information, see the National Park website: www.
to bring opportunities and benefits. Our closest comparator, dorsetandedevonnp.co.uk. The Team welcomes interest and
the South Downs National Park, has impressed and inspired help; you can “Contact us” via the website.
Sandra Brown
observers by what the NP Authority and its partners have
achieved for the economy, communities and the environment
in just 5 years since it began work in 2011.
In our area, the National Park brand would give Dorset a Dorset & East Devon National Park Team
marketing edge, promote higher value tourism and attract
visitors to stay longer and spend more. A National Park could
develop and promote a county wide tourism strategy benefiting
10 DORSET Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting DorsetLITTER CAMPAIGNS
Dorset Campaign Against Litter
This Campaign was founded by Paul Goldman in
2003 and has now been running for thirteen years.
The meeting is held in March, June and October
in Stratton Village hall. John Larkin attended a
meeting of the Campaign on 9 June.
We had reports from litter picking and
campaigning groups in Dorchester, Sherborne,
Langton, Blandford and Bournemouth and also
from the Litter Free Coast and Sea Campaign
Marten Gregory, Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP),
gave a detailed account of the present kerbside
recycling scheme which is working very well with a Fridges dumped on rural road
recycling rate of 58.9% which is amongst the best
in the country. Some domestic waste goes to the
New Earth MBT plant at Canford Magna and some to Dorset Waste Partnership and others present discussed the
the Waste to Energy plant at Southampton but 20% still goes clearing up of litter or, better still, stopping it in the first place.
to landfill. Several local groups described their litter picking events and
DWP are making plans to further reduce the landfill and to John said he was the Honorary Breeding Bird Recorder for a
improve recycling by careful optimisation of collection rounds. Purbeck nature reserve of 300 acres and also a self-appointed
litter warden. There was much discussion about fly tipping,
Litter Free Dorset the removal of waste bins by the Council, and the frequency of
The Litter Free Coast and Sea Partnership has functioned well emptying the bins.
for three years and it is now planned to extend this to the All those present wanted to work together and avoid
whole of Dorset. A new part time post will be recruited and duplication as far as possible. Bridget Mayes is working with
managed by Dorset Coast Forum with financial support, over The National Trust and Dorset Waste Partnership to provide
3 years, from DWP. Dorset CPRE will work with DWP to source advice and practical support for volunteers throughout Purbeck.
additional funding from other public/private sector companies If you want to help please contact her at litterfreepurbeck@
and charitable fund bids. gmail.com
‘‘
Let’s Make Purbeck Litter-free
Dr John Larkin attended the launch of this new campaign at A July poll shows public is
Harman’s Cross village hall on 14 July with presentations from
The National Trust, Surfers Against Sewage, Litter Free Coast behind bag charge as bag
’’
and Sea, and The Dorset Devils from Bournemouth. They all
agreed that litter is unsightly and sometimes dangerous to usage drops dramatically
residents and visitors, marine life, wildlife, and the environment.
Local Councillors, staff from in England
The huge fall in the use of carrier bags
in England has been complemented by
a notable increase in public support
for the charge, according to the Break
the Bag Habit coalition (BTBH) of anti-
litter charities. The Break the Bag Habit
coalition consists of the CPRE, Greener
Upon Thames, Keep Britain Tidy, Surfers
Against Sewage and Thames21. The
coalition has long worked towards the
introduction of a carrier bag charge
scheme in England
New Government statistics show
that carrier bag usage in England
has dropped significantly since a bag
charge was introduced last October,
with usage decreasing from 7.64
billion bags in 2014 to 0.6 billion in the
six months between October 2015 and
6 April 2016.
Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting Dorset DORSET 11WEST DORSET GROUP
led by CPRE members opposing the application, organised a
protest walk taking supporters through the intended site that
would be subject to quarrying. I can say that the march was
not only well supported and reported in the local press, but
attended by the Mayor of Portland. There are complex legal
implications regarding this matter, and at the time of writing
we are unsure as to what the outcome will be.
West Dorset applications
A second planning application WD/D/16/001598 has been put
forward to build 16 homes at The Quarr, Maiden Newton. In
the previous application we were of the opinion that amongst
other planning considerations it affected the setting of a listed
building, the local Grade 1 listed St Marys Church.
Golden Cap looking west towards West Bay, taken by Rob Jayne
Increase in traffic on rural roads
As with Weymouth and Portland, the West Dorset area faces
both huge increases in large housing developments, as well
Weymouth applications as smaller developments that break up what are at present
A matter of continuing concern as reported in the last Review quiet rural communities. These developments are in turn
is the proposed development in Littlemore, a suburb of creating increases in traffic volumes on what were once quiet
Weymouth. An application for an urban extension is planned rural roads. An example here is the application for houses
that will in fact extend out into the local Areas of Natural in Crossways. A total of 500 houses is called for, which if
Beauty (AONB). The developers continue to argue that the agreed will have traffic consequences for the villagers of
plans, that include a Business Park and hotel, will improve Owermoigne, itself subject to a small housing development.
the AONB. This matter however is still in the planning stage, The narrow country lane that connects Owermoigne with what
and will certainly be a matter that local CPRE members will will be the Crossways development is used by local residents
take up. Of better news, an application for the building of 340 in and around Owermoigne to both walk their dogs as well
dwellings in a field south of Nottington Lane, another suburb as using this quiet country lane for cycling along. With the
of Weymouth, was rejected in July by the Planning Committee. new development at Crossways, it is now estimated by local
The West Dorset Group, along with many local residents, residents that there will be an increase of around 1000 traffic
opposed the application arguing that the magnitude of the movements a day as drivers increasingly use it as a rat run
development would not only radically change the character of between the B3390 and the A352. Given that on parts of this
the hamlet of Nottington but lead to an unacceptable increase road, two cars have difficulty in passing, the concerns raised
in traffic and potential flooding. However, as the case with by pedestrians, cyclists and dog walkers alike is obvious. Here
many applications today, we await to see if the developers will as with so many other agreed and proposed developments,
appeal the Planning Committee’s decision. little regard is given to the local infrastructure and its ability to
cope with such increases in traffic.
Flooding on Watery Lane
CPRE members attended a Planning Meeting of the Weymouth Bridport
and Portland Council to raise a matter of flooding and sewage The same can be said for the market town of Bridport. It now
in the aptly named Watery Lane in Upwey. The reason for faces large developments at Vearse Farm, a proposed massive
our concern is the recently approved 8 houses will be linked housing and commercial development on West side of the town,
into the drainage and sewage system that flowed into Watery and in and around the Bridport coach station in the South West
Lane, making the problem even more unacceptable for local Quadrant. Here there is little doubt that no thought whatsoever
residents. The matter raised a great deal of debate amongst has been given to the local infrastructure, nor for that matter,
the Councillors present, and we were successful in getting an local services, matters that in the past would have been
agreement that no development could commence until Wessex considerations taken into account by planners. However, this
Water put forward a report outlining what improvements were situation is now a growing problem for CPRE across the rest of
required to resolve a potential health hazard. The application the country. Housing figures are now set by Government with it
has now been withdrawn. would seem with little regard for views of local residents and for
housing need. Of course, as an organisation, we have often had
Quarrying on Portland disagreements with planners, but today they simply set housing
I can also report that local CPRE members on Portland continue targets that they must achieve, which in turn means they cannot
to fight a proposal that would allow quarrying to take place in an take into account matters such as adequate infrastructure and
unspoilt stretch of coastline between the Portland Lighthouse services which in the past was part of their remit. The number
and Southwell, a nearby village. This is a long standing matter of houses required in West Dorset under the present legislation
in which the CPRE Branch has been involved and in the past, I and to be built in the next 20 years to 2033 is 15,500.
Richard Nicholls
along with John Larkin, Minerals and Waste Adviser to Dorset
CPRE, attended several meetings supporting local residents
opposing the application. In June, a group of local residents, Group Chairman
12 DORSET Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting DorsetHENGISTBURY HEAD
Returning to Bournemouth after years teaching elsewhere, I
am bowled over by the work done at Hengistbury Head. It is
one of the jewels in Dorset’s crown for so many reasons; now
being a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Site of Special
Scientific Interest in so many ways.
I find it so heart-warming that one quarter of our national
flora, (500 species) is found here. Where else could one see a
13 spotted ladybird, a natterjack toad or a skylark; a few miles
from the huge sprawl of Bournemouth and Poole; Christchurch
Priory being approximately a mile, as the crow flies, over the
water?
Particularly pleasing is the story of the natterjack toad.
It was re-introduced in 1989 to Hengistbury Head and now
has a decent sized extended family. This, I think, must be an
example for us all; especially those with gardens. A trip to the
Visitor Centre at Hengistbury Head, BH6 4EN, will provide all
the help needed.
Pond at the Visitor Centre where children can pond dip
trading people for 12,000 years.
The wild garden adjacent to the centre is absolutely
stunning. There is a constant hum of buzzing, with all sizes of
bee, wasp, flying insect and butterfly diving into the wealth of
meadow, seaside and salt friendly flowers. It reveals what hard
work, knowledge and dedication can produce.
Copying this example, our Southbourne garden welcomes
a huge variety of birds, insects and small animals with the
provision of three shallow tray bathing ‘lidos’. We too have a
variety of ‘homes’.
Species decline
Natterjack toad © Brian at Hengistbury Head In the past, bogs and marshes were simply eradicated, for
a farming land in the main. Now, we have species decline in
every area, with much lamentation. We must have more sites
Explore – Learn – Discover like Hengistbury Head in every corner of the UK. It has to come
The centre is superb, with information very well presented, from the ground up, with local people continuing to weigh in
telling visitors the long story of the area, from Upper and say ‘No’!
Paleolithic through the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages to the An example of ‘riding roughshod’ would be the voracious
present day. The display of finds from the settlements here is Victorians. They damaged the area by taking away many iron
very impressive. The Head was a significant Iron Age trading rich Dogger Stones, causing considerable erosion. Indeed a
centre, trading iron, silver and bronze for fruit, wine, glass and sizeable chunk of land has been lost in the last 200 years. Much
oil from the Mediterranean. The area has had settlements of however, has been done to right these wrongs. Bournemouth
Council built the Long Groyne in the 1930’s. A great deal has
been achieved by the Poole Bay Partnership, with gabion
revetment, or ‘stones contained in wire’.
Young people need to be educated to think about the kind
of future they want, for themselves and their children. Without
new generations from all walks of life, we will be swamped by
the wants of big business and ill-conceived house building
schemes. Not for our profit, or the county’s either. Species
decline threatens us.
Margaret Morgan
CPRE Member
Beehive at the Visitor Centre
Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting Dorset DORSET 13PROGRESS TOWARDS OUR 2026 VISION
This article appeared in Fieldwork and certification schemes for local
Summer 2016 edition produce.
‘‘
CPRE’s Vision for the Countryside in
2026 contains 62 statements covering
topics as diverse as green belts and CPRE has played a
green energy to farming and beautiful
landscapes. It encompasses the full key role in equipping
range of subjects which CPRE actively
campaigns on, as well as those which, local communities
whilst essential for the fulfilment of
CPRE’s overall aims, are carried out by
with the tools required
’’
other organisations.
As part of the process that is currently
to create their own
being undertaken to develop the next neighbourhood plans
CPRE Strategic Plan 2017-2019, an
assessment was undertaken of the
progress that has been made towards The creation of a better planning system
this Vision since it was first published – one that protects the countryside The frustrations and defeats
in 2009. This analysis has allowed CPRE and enables local communities and
to take stock of national successes and One of the key frustrations of the
local decision makers a say in local quantitative analysis was the lack of
those across our branches and districts, development – is a major element of
as well as identifying those areas which a regularly updated data set across
CPRE’s campaigning. CPRE has had some important issues. The most recent
may need to be the focus of our efforts some successes across a range of issues,
in the future. Of the 14 indicators, 3 information on hedgerows and soils,
including obtaining (mostly rhetorical) for example is almost 10 years old. This
illustrated progress in the last 6 years; support for the Green Belt across
6 have seen little or highly variable means that whilst qualitative opinion on
political parties; gaining traction (and these elements suggest that the length
change; and 5 have taken us further Government funding) for the idea of
away from achieving the Vision. of hedgerows is declining and the quality
‘brownfield first’ and the commitment of our soils is worsening, it is difficult to
to a brownfield register; and CPRE and assess the real situation – in the context of
The great campaigns its branches have played a key role positive stories from branches promoting
More of England’s landscapes are in equipping local communities with hedge-laying schemes and the 18%
protected for more reasons. The extension the tools required to create their own increase in the number of hedgerows
to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales neighbourhood plans, following the protected by the Hedgerows Regulations
National Parks was announced in Localism Act 2011. between 1998 and 2010.
2015 and means that these beautiful
‘‘
It is clear that attitudes towards
landscapes are better protected. In ‘sustainable development’ and the
addition, CPRE’s maps of dark skies have environment have also not developed in
been used as evidence for three areas of The presumption in the way that CPRE would have hoped for.
England (the Northumberland, Exmoor Economic precedents reign supreme; for
and South Downs National Parks) that favour of sustainable example, the NPPF’s presumption in favour
have received Dark Sky status, enabling
their Management Authorities to push development is giving of sustainable development is giving
the green light to developers, leading to
for better lighting strategies to ensure
the longevity of England’s properly dark
the green light to continued loss of Green Belt land and open
countryside, with ever-increasing housing
skies. developers, leading targets. At the same time, the proportion
of new homes being built on brownfield
’’
CPRE’s Stop the Drop campaign has led to continued loss of land has decreased over the past 6 years,
to the development of over 840 Litter suggesting our Vision that “successful
Action Groups showing that there is less Green Belt land urban regeneration…has been crucial in
‘tolerance’ for litter. There has also been a protecting the countryside” is even further
6% drop in the number of sites suffering from being the case then before.
from unacceptable levels of litter in the After much branch-led campaigning In addition, despite the rise of
Local Environmental Quality Surveys to prevent energy developments where Neighbourhood Planning, the devolution
of England (LEQSE). The 5p plastic bag the benefit of renewable energy did not of decision making is not being carried
charge has been widely supported. outweigh landscape and community out in a democratic way. 10 million
Research commissioned by CPRE impacts, CPRE also welcomed the people are now involved in neighbourhood
into local food webs has highlighted the change in government policy to ensure planning, but there is no mechanism for
scale and importance of local food to that onshore wind energy developments their effective involvement in devolution
the national economy. There has also must be backed by local communities, deals or the activity of Local Enterprise
been an increase in pride in local food, and give more weight to cumulative Partnerships.
illustrated by the rise of the gastropub visual impact.
14 DORSET Campaign to Protect Rural England – Protecting DorsetYou can also read
