Planning in Dorset

SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The Council will work with partners and developers to ensure that the level of social infrastructure across the District is maintained and enhanced through the retention and improvement of existing facilities and new provision, where required. Development should support the maintenance and enhancement of existing social infrastructure and the provision of new social infrastructure, through provision on site and/or contributions to provision off site, as appropriate. Through these measures the Council will ensure that: Education Facilities a the needs of existing pre-school facilities and providers in the towns and villages are met; and b provision is made to accommodate the additional forms of entry required at primary and secondary school levels across the District including, if necessary, new primary schools in Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton; and c further education and community learning opportunities are retained and improved to provide the District's workforce with the skills necessary to meet the changing needs of local employers; and d schools catering for children and young adults with special needs are supported. Health Services e community hospitals are retained and enhanced; and f sufficient general surgeries and health centres are in place with new or expanded surgeries provided in Blandford, Gillingham and Shaftesbury. Cultural Facilities g existing libraries are retained and developed as valuable community hubs; and h multi-functional art galleries and arts centres are encouraged in the main towns; and i existing museums are protected and enhanced as valuable educational resources for the community as a whole. Recreation and Sport j existing formal and informal indoor facilities are protected and enhanced. Applications for new facilities in the main towns depending on their scale and the area they serve will be supported. Community Facilities (Non-Commercial) k existing community halls, places of worship and other non-commercial community facilities are protected and new facilities provided where there is an identified need. In the countryside, such facilities may be permitted on the edge of the built-up area of Stalbridge or the District's villages to support a rural community, where no suitable sites exist within the relevant settlement; and l sufficient land is provided for cemeteries and burial grounds.

THE ECONOMY

Spatial Approach to Economic Development The economic development of the four main towns (i.e. Blandford, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton) will be supported by: a the development of key strategic sites to meet the identified need for employment land; and b the mixed-use regeneration of sites on the edge of existing town centres with a focus on office and non-B Class employment generating uses; and c the continued improvement of town centres (in accordance with Policy 12) as the main focus for retail, leisure and other commercial activities. Economic development in the countryside (including at Stalbridge and the District's villages) will be supported by: d enabling rural communities to plan to meet their own local needs, particularly through neighbourhood planning; and e countryside policies (Policies 29 to 32) which may permit: the re-use of existing buildings; the retention and small-scale expansion of existing employment sites; the provision of certain forms of tourist accommodation; and equine-related developments. Jobs, Employment Land and Sites for Mixed-Use Regeneration About 3,630 new jobs will be needed in North Dorset by 2031. About 49.6 hectares of land will be developed primarily for employment uses in North Dorset between 2011 and 2031. This will include the development of the following key strategic sites primarily for employment uses: f part of the Brewery site, Blandford St. Mary (about 3.0 hectares); g land off Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford Forum (about 4.8 hectares); h Brickfields Business Park, Gillingham (about 11.7 hectares); i land south of the A30 at Shaftesbury (about 7.0 hectares); and j North Dorset Business Park, Sturminster Newton (about 6.3 hectares) The following sites, adjacent or close to existing town centres, have been identified for mixed-use regeneration: k Brewery site, Blandford St. Mary; l Station Road area, Gillingham; m Station Road area, Sturminster Newton; and n Land between the town centre and Christy's Lane, Shaftesbury. Uses on Employment Sites Existing employment sites and sites identified for future employment uses will be protected from other forms of development. On such sites, the Council will permit employment (B Class) uses and, where it would support businesses and/or provide a wider range of jobs, may also permit: o community uses, such as community halls; and p healthcare facilities, such as doctors' and vets' surgeries (but not any healthcare facility with a residential element, such as a care home); and q education facilities, including training facilities for businesses and pre-school nurseries; and r small-scale retail, which is ancillary to a B Class use. The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 also provides an opportunity to convert a Class B8 (storage and distribution) use to residential purposes under certain circumstances. These residential conversions, when completed, will be counted as part of the housing land supply. Sustainable Tourism Tourist facilities and larger hotels will be encouraged in town centre locations in accordance with the sequential approach to the location of town centre uses in Policy 12 – Retail, Leisure and Other Commercial Developments. Smaller hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments and self-catering accommodation will be permitted within the settlement boundaries of Blandford, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton. Tourist accommodation in the countryside will be permitted in accordance with Policy 31 – Tourist Accommodation in the Countryside.

Climate Change

Mitigation of Climate Change To mitigate climate change the Council will seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new developments and from existing buildings. This will include a range of measures such as: • encouraging the retrofitting of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures to existing buildings, including sympathetic fitting of such measures to listed buildings; • locating development where local needs can be met locally, reducing the need to travel; • designing developments in a way which facilitate the use of sustainable transport modes; • incorporating the highest standards of sustainable construction into development proposals including the use of renewable energy where appropriate; • supporting the production of energy from renewable and low carbon sources at both the large-scale, for example through the incorporation of solar panels on roofs of large commercial and agricultural buildings, and the micro-scale, such as the use of ground source heat pumps. In addition to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation can be achieved through the planting of trees. Existing Buildings Reducing the amount of energy used through the installation of energy efficiency measures not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but reduces the running costs of buildings and reduces fuel poverty particularly in areas which do not have mains gas. Using less energy will result in the need for fewer energy installations to meet the energy demand. The Council is committed to improving energy efficiency in both new and existing buildings. Measures to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings including housing often do not require planning permission. In cases where such retrofitting does require consent, other policies in the Local Plan Part 1 will apply, in particular Policy 24 - Design. Where a building is extended or subject to re-use and requires a planning permission, the proposal will be required to improve the energy efficiency of the whole building unless it can be demonstrated that it is not viable to do so. In relation to listed buildings, the sympathetic application of measures to improve the energy performance of the building will be supported providing that the reason for the designation of the building, including its setting, is not compromised. Location of New Development Where possible, development should be located in areas that are, or can be, made more sustainable by virtue of being close to a good range of facilities, in line with Policy 2 – Core Spatial Strategy. This will enable building users to meet their everyday needs within a short distance of their location. In all instances the first travel option should be through sustainable travel modes such as walking or cycling, rather than through the use of the private car. This approach is in line with Policy 2 – Core Spatial Strategy and will reduce transport related greenhouse gas emissions in line with Policy 13 – Grey Infrastructure. Design of New Developments To aid in the mitigation of climate change, developments should consider energy efficiency from the outset. Measures to improve energy efficiency are not reliant on the building fabric alone but can incorporate measures to ensure users of the building can do so in an efficient way. Such measures include: • the use of walking and cycling to meet everyday needs through establishing safe routes between development sites and the existing built areas within settlements; • the provision of sufficient secure cycle storage space within developments to facilitate cycling;

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

The Council will seek to: a integrate the new green infrastructure to be provided in association with strategic growth at the four main towns with existing green infrastructure networks; and b enhance the provision of green infrastructure in the countryside (including at Stalbridge and the District's villages), especially where it helps to improve recreational opportunities; and c protect and enhance existing open space of importance, character areas, outdoor sport and recreational facilities and provide new facilities to support growth; and d take forward new and improved strategic facilities, such as the North Dorset Trailway; and e promote the public enjoyment of wildlife, where this is compatible with maintaining biodiversity; and f identify opportunities to work with partners at the local, district and sub-regional levels to deliver multiple key green infrastructure benefits. Development will be required to enhance existing and provide new green infrastructure to improve the quality of life of residents and deliver environmental benefits. All elements of green infrastructure should be provided on site in line with standards of provision set in the development plan unless: g it can be demonstrated that it would not be practical or viable to do so; or h exceptionally, it could be demonstrated that greater benefits could be realised through off-site measures. Where the full requirement for green infrastructure is not provided on-site, development would be expected to provide new green infrastructure off site, and/or enhance (or make a contribution towards the enhancement of) existing green infrastructure off site. Developments will also be expected to deliver, or contribute towards the delivery of: i the conservation and management of existing assets; and j the creation of new sites and links including new or improved open space for children's play, outdoor sport and recreation; and k enhancement to the functionality, quality and connectivity of green infrastructure; and l area-specific packages which achieve multiple benefits including those identified in Figure 7.2.

THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The natural environment of North Dorset and the ecosystem services it supports will be enhanced through the protection of environmental assets and the establishment of a coherent ecological network of designated sites and stepping stone sites linked via corridor features. Where development takes place, buffers should be provided to environmental assets to improve their biodiversity value and facilitate adaptation to climate change. Where opportunities exist, new habitats should be created to enhance this network further. Developments that offer gains in biodiversity whether through the restoration of habitats or the creation of linkages between existing sites, will be looked upon favourably in the decision-making process. Developments are expected to respect the natural environment including the designated sites, valued landscapes and other features that make it special. Developments should be shaped by the natural environment so that the benefits it provides are enhanced and not degraded. Development proposals which seek to conserve or enhance the natural environment should be permitted unless significant adverse social or environmental impacts are likely to arise as a result of the proposal. Landscape Character The landscape character of the District will be protected through retention of the features that characterise the area. Where significant impact is likely to arise as a result of a development proposal, developers will be required to clearly demonstrate that that the impact on the landscape has been mitigated and that important landscape features have been incorporated in to the development scheme. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Within the areas designated as AONB and their setting, development will be managed in a way that conserves and enhances the natural beauty of the area. Proposals which would harm the natural beauty of the AONBs will not be permitted unless it is clearly in the public interest to do so. In such instances, effective mitigation should form an integral part of the development proposals. Developers will be expected to demonstrate how they have had regard to the objectives of the relevant AONB management plan for the area. Internationally Important Wildlife Sites Developers should demonstrate that their proposals will not have significant adverse effects, including cumulative effects, on internationally important wildlife sites. Where this cannot be demonstrated, appropriate mitigation measures will be required otherwise permission will be refused. Mitigation measures for specific sites will include: a in relation to Fontmell and Melbury Downs SAC, contributions towards the effective management of the site to reduce recreational pressure; b in relation to Rooksmoor SAC, contributions towards the establishment of the North Dorset Trailway between Sturminster Newton and Stalbridge to reduce traffic pollution on the site; c in relation to the Dorset Heaths SAC, Dorset Heaths (Purbeck and Wareham) and Studland Dunes SAC, Dorset Heathlands SPA, and Dorset Heathlands Ramsar site, contributions from developments within 5km of the heathland designations towards the sustainable management of the heathland sites or contributions towards the provision of alternative accessible recreation space to reduce recreational pressure on the Dorset heat

THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

Assessing Proposals That Would Harm a Heritage Asset Any development proposal affecting a heritage asset (including its setting) will be assessed having regard to the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of that asset and securing a viable use for it that is most consistent with its conservation. For any designated heritage asset, great weight will be given to its conservation when considering any proposal that would have an impact on its significance. Clear and convincing justification for any development that would cause harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset will be required however slight and whether through direct physical impact or by change to its setting. Justifying Substantial Harm to or the Loss of a Designated Heritage Asset Development that results in substantial harm to or the loss of a designated heritage asset will be refused unless it can clearly be justified that there is substantial public benefit resulting from the development, outweighing the harm or loss, or all of the following apply: a the nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; and b no viable use of the heritage asset itself can be found in the medium term through appropriate marketing that will enable its conservation; and c conservation by grant-funding or some form of charitable or public ownership is not possible; and d the harm or loss is outweighed by the benefit of bringing the site back into use. In all cases substantial harm (whether through direct physical impact or by change to its setting) to, or the total loss of, a grade II listed building or a registered park or garden should be exceptional. Substantial harm (whether through direct physical impact or by change to its setting) to, or total loss of, grade I or II* listed buildings and registered parks and gardens, scheduled monuments and undesignated archaeological sites of equivalent importance to scheduled monuments should be wholly exceptional. Justifying Less Than Substantial Harm to a Designated Heritage Asset Where a development proposal will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal, including securing its optimum viable use. Justifying Harm to a Non-Designated Heritage Asset Where a development proposal will lead to harm to the significance of a non-designated heritage asset, regard will be had to: e the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of the asset; and f the scale of any harm or loss; and g the significance of the heritage asset. Hidden and Unidentified Heritage Assets Remains or hidden features or fabric, which contribute to the significance of a designated heritage asset (or which suggest that a non-designated heritage asset is of demonstrably equivalent significance), should be recorded and preserved in situ. The recording and excavation of remains or hidden features or fabric of less heritage value may be permitted, if recording and preservation in situ is not a reasonable or feasible option. Enabling Development In exceptional circumstances, a proposal for enabling development that would not otherwise be permitted may be supported if it can be demonstrated that this will secure the long term preservation and enhancement of a designated heritage asset considered to be at risk, or other heritage asset on a local risk register maintained by the Council. Such development will only be permitted if: h it has been demonstrated that reasonable consideration has been given to other options for securing the long-term preservation and enhancement that are more consistent with the policies of the Local Plan and these are not available; and i it has been demonstrated that the enabling development is the minimum necessary to secure such long term preservation and enhancement; and j the benefits of the enabling development outweigh the dis-benefits of departing from other relevant policies in the Local Plan. Enabling development will not be permitted where the Council considers the current condition of the heritage asset is the result of deliberate or reckless neglect or actions designed to secure a benefit from this exception to policy.

Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

The Council will make appropriate provision to meet the identified need for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople pitches within the District through the identification of sites within the Dorset-Wide Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD). The requirement for the provision of transit sites will be addressed through the same DPD.

BLANDFORD

Sustainable Development Strategy Blandford will maintain its role as the main service centre in the south of the district through: a development and redevelopment within the settlement boundary; and b extensions, primarily of housing to the south-east and to the west of Blandford St Mary; and c employment uses on land within the bypass on the northern edge of the town and the mixed-use regeneration of the Brewery site close to the town centre. Growth will be taken forward in ways which respect the town's environmental constraints, support its role, function and identity, and contribute to making it more self-contained. Blandford's distinctive natural and historic character will be retained and enhanced. Environment and Climate Change The impact of flooding and climate change on the town will be addressed by: d taking account of the risks of fluvial, groundwater and surface water flooding in new development; and e incorporating sustainable drainage systems into new developments; and f the protection and management of valuable groundwater resources. The town's natural and historic built environment will be protected and enhanced. Meeting Housing Needs At least 1,200 homes will be provided at Blandford Forum and Blandford St Mary during the period 2011 - 2031. In addition to infilling and redevelopment within the settlement boundary, Blandford's housing needs will be met through: g mixed-use regeneration of the Brewery site; and h the development of land to the south east of Blandford St Mary; and i the development of land to the west of Blandford St Mary (at Lower Bryanston Farm and Dorchester Hill). Development of land at Lower Bryanston Farm and Dorchester Hill should only commence once a mitigation package (that includes details of implementation measures) has been agreed to the satisfaction of Natural England. Supporting Economic Development Employment needs in the town for the period up 2031 will be met through: j the mixed-use regeneration of the Brewery site; and k the development of land off Shaftesbury Lane; and l the development of vacant sites on existing industrial estates; and m the retention of existing employment sites. In the period up to 2031, additional retail floorspace will be provided through: n the extension of the existing Tesco supermarket at Stour Park; and o the provision of a new supermarket off Shaftesbury Lane. Town centre regeneration will embrace a range of town centre uses, not only retail and commercial but community and leisure as well as residential uses, and will be encouraged. An important element of town centre regeneration will be land to the south of East Street, including land around the existing retail store. On appropriate sites, all development and redevelopment schemes which support town centre regeneration, such as the extension of existing retail units south of Market Place and East Street, will be viewed positively within the recognised constraints of heritage and flooding considerations. The emerging neighbourhood plan for Blandford will have a key role to play in identifying regeneration opportunities in the town. Infrastructure In the period up to 2031, grey infrastructure to support growth will include: p the provision and enhancement of walking and cycling links within Blandford between residential areas and key destinations, such as the town centre, employment sites, schools and other community facilities; and q the provision and enhancement of public transport, cycling and walking links between Blandford and nearby villages (and Blandford Camp); and r the improvement and extension of the North Dorset Trailway along, or close to, the route of the former Somerset and Dorset Railway line for cycling and walking; and s the identification of a safeguarded route for the Spetisbury and Charlton Marshall Bypass as part of the development of the land south east of Blandford St Mary; In the period up to 2031, social infrastructure to support growth will include: t the refurbishment of the Corn Exchange to form the main community venue for the town and the provision of neighbourhood halls to serve new development in the northern part of the town and Blandford St Mary; and u the retention of Blandford Leisure Centre in community use and the upgrading of its facilities; and v the extension of the Archbishop Wake school and either extension of the Milldown school or provision of a new 2 forms of entry primary school; and w a new doctors' surgery or the expansion or relocation of existing doctors' surgeries. A network of green infrastructure will be developed in and around Blandford, focusing on linking existing sites (such as the Milldown and Stour Meadows) and providing new sites and links to serve the residents of both the new and existing developments in the town. New or improved facilities will include: x new sports pitches and associated facilities on land within the settlement boundary of Blandford.

STURMINSTER NEWTON

Sustainable Development Strategy Sturminster Newton will continue to function as the main service centre in the rural west of the District through: a development and redevelopment within the settlement boundary; and b development of the greenfield land at Market Hill to the north of the former livestock market; and c small greenfield extensions to the north and east of Sturminster; and d development of North Dorset Business Park at Newton. All developments will need to reflect the policies, principles and design concepts identified through the Town Design Statement and design and development briefs produced by the local community. Environment and Climate Change The impact of flooding and climate change on the town will be addressed with measures put in place to reduce the risk of flooding from the River Stour and from surface water within the town through the provision of sustainable drainage systems in all development. The town's natural and historic built environments will be protected and enhanced. Meeting Housing Needs At least 395 dwellings will be provided at Sturminster Newton during the period 2011 – 2031. Housing needs will be met through: e infilling and redevelopment within the settlement boundary, including the redevelopment of land in and around the Station Road area; together with the development of the following greenfield sites: f land to the north of the former livestock market at Market Hill; and g land to the to the north of Northfields; and h land to the east of the former Creamery site. Supporting Economic Development Employment needs in the town for the period up to 2031 will be met through: i the development of North Dorset Business Park; and j the retention of Butts Pond Industrial Estate. Any development on North Dorset Business Park should be designed to reflect both the design and development brief and the masterplan for the site. The main focus for additional retail provision and other town centre uses will be the existing town centre and the redevelopment of the Station Road area. Any scheme for the Station Road area should be designed in accordance with the design and development brief for the area. Infrastructure In the period up to 2031, grey infrastructure to support growth will include: k improved walking and cycling links between the town centre and new developments; and l the extension of the North Dorset Trailway to the north west of the town, including the provision of a pedestrian/cycle bridge over the River Stour; and m the improvement of pedestrian/cycle links between Sturminster and North Dorset Business Park. In the period up to 2031, social infrastructure to support growth will include: n the promotion of The Exchange building as a community and cultural hub; and o the retention and expansion of the leisure centre; and p an extension to the secondary school and the relocation and expansion of the primary school. A network of green infrastructure will be developed in and around Sturminster town and Newton village based on existing sites, such as Butts Pond Local Nature Reserve, and strategic links such as the North Dorset Trailway. In the period up to 2031, green infrastructure to support growth will include: q a green buffer between Butt's Pond Industrial Estate and new housing development on land north of the former livestock market; and r additional allotments on land to the east of the town at Elm Close Farm.

GILLINGHAM STRATEGIC SITE ALLOCATION

A Master Plan Framework will be prepared for the whole of the southern extension of Gillingham to ensure that: the site will be developed in a comprehensive and coordinated manner; and facilities and infrastructure are provided and delivered in step with housing and employment development. The Council will use the Master Plan Framework for the southern extension as a material consideration in the context of the requirements of the Local Plan which forms the main policy basis for determining any subsequent planning applications for development on the site. The Council will not support proposals for development within the southern extension prior to the production of (and consultation on) the Master Plan Framework and prior to its contents being agreed by the Council. The Master Plan Framework (and any subsequent planning applications on or affecting the southern extension) should: a reflect the conceptual framework for the site (including concept plan, concept statement and design principles), unless a departure from the concept plan or concept statement can be clearly justified; and b demonstrate how the land use allocations, infrastructure and other requirements set out: in this policy; on the proposals map for the strategic site allocation; and in the other policies of the Local Plan, will be provided and delivered. The Council's preferred approach is for developers to work together (and with the Council, key stakeholders and the community) to prepare the Master Plan Framework, which the Council would then agree. If necessary, the Council would consider producing a supplementary planning document or other planning document (or documents) to guide the future development of the southern extension. Climate Change The Master Plan Framework for the southern extension (and any subsequent planning application, or applications, for the site) should show how the causes and effects of climate change will be tackled by: c incorporating energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in buildings, including measures to produce energy from renewables and low carbon sources to meet the requirements of the Government's zero carbon buildings policy; and d consideration being given to the potential for a district heating scheme to serve, or to be incorporated into, the southern extension, should a suitable opportunity arise; and f measures to address the risks of fluvial and surface water flooding; and g incorporating sustainable drainage systems into the development. Environment The Master Plan Framework for the southern extension (and any subsequent planning application, or applications, for the site) should show how the natural and historic environment will be conserved and enhanced by: h measures to integrate the southern extension into the wider landscape, particularly where the edge of development adjoins open countryside; and i measures to conserve and enhance wildlife interests, including both habitats and species within and close to the southern extension; and j the retention (in situ) and enhancement of significant archaeological features and their settings, including Kings Court Palace Scheduled Monument and Gillingham Park Boundary Bank Scheduled Monument. Meeting Housing Needs The Master Plan Framework for the southern extension should: k show how the site will be developed with about 1,800 homes in total; and l show how the delivery of housing will be phased over time making provision for about 1,800 homes to be delivered on the SSA in the period up to 2031; and m show how the delivery of housing will be phased spatially based on the approach that development will commence adjacent to the existing built-up area of the town and spread out towards the boundaries of the site; and n set out the mix of market and affordable homes, in terms of number of bedrooms, that should be delivered on the site, reflecting the proportions in Policy 7 – Delivering Homes, unless a different mix can be justified on the basis of local circumstances and agreed with the Council; o set out that 25% of the total number of dwellings will be affordable, unless a different percentage can be justified on the basis of a site-based assessment of viability and agreed with the Council; and p make provision for at least 50 affordable extra care units for the elderly, as part of the overall provision of affordable housing. Any subsequent planning application, or applications, for the site should reflect the requirements for the provision of housing development set out above, or as amended in the Master Plan Framework. Supporting Economic Development The Master Plan Framework for the southern extension (and any relevant subsequent planning application, or applications, for the site) should: q set out how the land to the south of Brickfields Business Park should be developed: with a range of employment uses; with a new access from the B3092; to be well screened in views from the south and west; and r set out how the remaining undeveloped land at Kingsmead Business Park should be developed as part of a local centre in the Shaftesbury Road corridor to support the southern extension. In the event that the local centre does not include the remaining undeveloped land at Kingsmead Business Park, the Master Plan Framework (and any relevant subsequent planning applications), should show how the site will be developed with a range of employment uses. Grey Infrastructure The Master Plan Framework for the southern extension (and any relevant subsequent planning application, or applications, for the site) should make provision for: s a 'principal street' linking New Road (B3092) and Shaftesbury Road (B3081), which will be designed as a bus route; and t a permeable and legible network of well-defined streets and spaces within the southern extension, which are cycle and pedestrian friendly, including well-designed gateways to the town and accesses to different areas of development at key points. Links from the southern extension into the existing built-up area of the town should be primarily for pedestrians and cycles; and u the closure of Cole Street Lane to vehicular through traffic, other than for access; and v off-site highway improvements, particularly improvements to increase the capacity of the New Road (B3092) and Shaftesbury Road (B3081) junction; and improvements in the Shaftesbury Road/Le Neubourg Way corridor; and w off-site measures, and contributions towards off-site measures, to support the use of public transport, cycling and walking. Such improvements will include the enhancement of Gillingham Railway Station and the completion, where practicable of gaps in existing cycle and pedestrian route networks between the town and the southern extension; and x contributions towards the provision of a link road between the B3081 and the A30 at Enmore Green; and y other grey infrastructure requirements

HOUSING DISTRIBUTION

At least 5,700 net additional homes will be provided in North Dorset between 2011 and 2031 to deliver an average annual rate of about 285 dwellings per annum. The vast majority of housing growth will be concentrated at the District's four main towns of Blandford (Forum and St. Mary), Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton. The approximate scale of housing development at the four main towns during the period 2011 - 2031 will be as follows: a Blandford (Forum and St. Mary) – at least 1,200 homes; b Gillingham – at least 2,200 homes; c Shaftesbury – at least 1,140 homes; d Sturminster Newton – at least 395 homes. The approximate scale of affordable housing development that will be sought at the four main towns during the period 2011 - 2031 will be as follows: e Blandford (Forum and St. Mary) – about 395 affordable homes; f Gillingham – about 480 affordable homes; g Shaftesbury – about 380 affordable homes; h Sturminster Newton – about 95 affordable homes. In the countryside (including Stalbridge and the villages) the level of housing and affordable housing provision will be the cumulative number of new homes delivered to contribute towards meeting identified local and essential rural needs. At least 825 dwellings will be provided in the countryside (including Stalbridge and the villages) during the period 2011 – 2031.

Housing Distribution

The proposed strategic distribution of housing in North Dorset reflects national policy and Policy 2 – Core Spatial Strategy. Provision for housing and affordable housing has been made largely at the District's four main towns, which are the most sustainable locations for housing development. The southern extension of Gillingham is a key site which is critical to the delivery of the housing strategy over the plan period. In Stalbridge, the eighteen larger villages and the countryside the focus is on meeting local housing needs. Where a local housing need can be demonstrated in the countryside, neighbourhood plans can identify rural exception sites, as set out in Policy 9 – Rural Exception Affordable Housing. The amount of housing proposed at each of the four main towns has been determined following an analysis of the key constraints and opportunities. The amount of affordable housing to be sought at each of the four main towns also takes account of the viability of provision in different parts of the District. The scale of housing and affordable housing provision in Stalbridge, the eighteen larger villages and the countryside will reflect cumulative local and essential rural needs and local viability considerations. For the purposes of preparing a SHMA, North Dorset falls entirely within the Bournemouth and Poole Housing Market Area (HMA). Should housing supply across the District exceed the 285 dwellings per annum target, the Council will not seek to restrict the supply of additional housing, in accordance with national policy, providing it accords with the spatial approach as set out in Policy 2 – Core Spatial Strategy. The Council will seek to deliver affordable housing in line with the percentages identified: at least 40% affordable housing on sites across most of the District, 30% on sites within Blandford Forum and Shaftesbury, 25% in Sturminster Newton and Gillingham (where residual land values are lower) and, subject to viability testing 25% on the southern extension to the town. The Council will seek to deliver about 1,350 additional affordable homes in the four main towns by 2031, whilst also having regard to any site-based assessments of viability which could, where evidenced and justified, result in a different level of provision being sought. Gillingham will accommodate about 39% of housing growth in North Dorset over the 20 years between 2011 and 2031. The vast majority of new housing at Gillingham will be built on the southern extension to the town. Blandford will accommodate about 21% of housing growth with a figure of at least 1,200 new homes by 2031. Shaftesbury will accommodate about 20% of housing growth with a figure of at least 1,140 new homes by 2031. Sturminster Newton will receive about 7% of housing growth with a figure of at least 395 new homes by 2031. At least 825 dwellings out of 5,700 dwellings district wide will be provided in the countryside (including Stalbridge and the villages) during the period 2011-2031. In Stalbridge, the eighteen larger villages and the countryside the overall level of housing (and affordable housing) provision by 2031 will be the cumulative number of new homes that have been delivered to contribute towards meeting local and essential rural needs identified at the local level.

Delivering Homes

Housing Mix All housing should contribute towards the creation of mixed and balanced communities. In the period to 2031, the Council will support the delivery of about 40% of market housing in North Dorset as one or two bedroom properties and about 60% of market housing as three or more bedroom properties. In the period to 2031, the Council will support the delivery of about 60% of affordable housing in North Dorset as one or two bedroom properties and about 40% of affordable housing as three or more bedroom properties. These proportions will be the starting point for negotiations on the mix of house sizes on all sites where 10 or more dwellings are proposed, although a different mix may be permitted if it can be soundly justified by local circumstances or viability considerations. On sites of less than 10 dwellings, a mix of house sizes appropriate to each specific site will be sought, although in the case of rural exception sites, the mix should reflect identified local needs in accordance with Policy 9 – Rural Exception Affordable Housing. The Housing Needs of Particular Groups The Council will seek to meet the needs of different groups in the community both through the provision of a suitable mix of market and affordable house sizes and by working with partners, including registered social landlords, Dorset County Council and NHS Dorset health and social care services. The Council will support the provision of age-restricted housing for the elderly and will usually seek to control its occupancy by planning condition or planning obligation. Where evidence exists, provision of housing for people requiring specially adapted or supported housing should be provided as part of the general mix of housing on a site. For sites of 10 or more dwellings this mix should be determined through early engagement with registered social landlords, Dorset County Council and NHS Dorset health and social care services. New social care or health related development proposals within the C2 use class, or proposals which extend the provision of existing facilities, should be in accordance with the strategic aims of Dorset County Council and NHS Dorset health and social care services unless it can be demonstrated that it would not be practical or viable to do so. Residential Density The design and layout of any development with a housing element should seek to achieve a residential density that: a makes effective use of the site; and b respect

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Development that delivers eleven or more net additional dwellings and which has a maximum combined gross floorspace of more than 1,000 square metres, including housing on mixed-use sites, will contribute to the provision of affordable housing. On schemes of six to ten in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including housing on mixed-use sites, financial contributions to the provision of affordable housing will be sought. Such development will contribute to the provision of affordable housing in the following proportions: a within the settlement boundaries of Gillingham and Sturminster Newton and within any urban extensions to these towns, 25% of the total number of dwellings will be affordable; and b within the settlement boundaries of Shaftesbury and Blandford (Forum and St. Mary) and within any urban extensions to these towns, 30% of the total number of dwellings will be affordable; and c elsewhere in the District 40% of the total number of dwellings will be affordable. In the event of grant funding (or another subsidy) being secured or having the prospect of being secured in relation to affordable housing provision on a site, the percentage of affordable housing provided should be maximised to reflect the level of funding secured. In cases where a level of affordable housing provision below the target percentages is being proposed, the developer may be offered an opportunity (subject to certain requirements) to involve the District Valuer or other mutually agreed independent assessor with a view to securing a mutually agreed level of affordable housing provision. In any case where viability is an issue, an 'open book' approach will be sought on any viability assessment. If it can be demonstrated that a level of affordable housing provision below the percentages set out above can be justified on grounds of viability (taking account of grant funding or any other subsidy) an obligation will be required: d to secure the maximum level of provision achievable at the time of the assessment. The presumption is that affordable housing will be provided on site. Where the size of a site means that the full required percentage of affordable housing could not be provided on site, the amount of affordable housing that can be accommodated on site will be maximised. Any shortfall in on-site provision will be met either

RURAL EXCEPTION AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Rural exception affordable housing schemes will only be permitted within or adjoining the built-up area of the District's smaller villages. In Stalbridge and the larger villages rural exception sites will be permitted adjoining the settlement boundaries. Rural exception affordable housing schemes will not be permitted within or adjoining the settlements of Blandford (Forum and St. Mary), Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton. Rural exception affordable housing schemes (including schemes that propose small numbers of market housing units) will only be permitted if a local need for rural exception affordable housing can be demonstrated in an appropriate up-to-date local needs survey. Where an appropriate up-to-date local needs survey for a parish (or group of parishes) identifies a local need, a rural exception affordable housing site should be sought, in the first instance, at the most sustainable settlement in that parish (or group parishes) in terms of population, facilities and accessibility. When searching for a rural exception site at a settlement, a rural exception affordable housing site should be sought, in the first instance, on a site with a capacity for no more than nine dwellings in total (including both affordable and market element) and for the smaller villages within the existing built-up area of the settlement. Where no such suitable site exists within the relevant settlement a scheme should be provided on a site adjoining the existing built-up area of the settlement. A rural exceptions housing scheme will only be permitted if: a the number of proposed affordable homes does not exceed the identified local affordable housing need identified in an appropriate up-to-date survey; and b all the proposed affordable homes are of a size, type and form (or mix of forms) of tenure that will meet, or contribute towards meeting, the identified local affordable housing need identified in an appropriate up-to-date survey. At the Council's discretion, a small number of market homes, which should not exceed one third of the total number of homes being proposed (including the affordable and market elements) may be permitted on a rural exception site, as part of a rural exception affordable housing scheme. Such small numbers will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated to the Council by way of an open book viability assessment that: c having examined all other potential sources of funding, it would not be possible to provide the affordable homes on the site without a market element; and d the market homes are required to contribute towards closing a funding gap for the provision of the rural exception affordable homes on that scheme; and e the number of market homes proposed is the minimum necessary to deliver the affordable element of the scheme in a manner that addresses the affordable housing needs of the local community. If the Council accepts that a market housing element is required on a rural exception affordable housing scheme, the scheme will only be permitted if: f no market home is larger than the largest affordable home on the site; and g no market home exceeds the size of comparable types of affordable housing that is being provided on the site; and h the market homes are integrated with the affordable homes to form a single housing scheme. Any affordable homes provided on a rural exceptions site should remain available to meet local housing need in perpetuity.

GREY INFRASTRUCTURE

By working alongside developers, agencies, and other partners, the Council will ensure that the necessary grey infrastructure is put into place to support growth, development and North Dorset's economy. The adequacy, availability and provision of grey infrastructure will be key considerations when planning applications are considered. Development will be expected to maintain, enhance and provide grey infrastructure, as appropriate to the particular development, by way of direct (on/off site) or indirect (by way of financial contribution) provision. Transportation A more sustainable approach to transport in North Dorset will be developed by: a supporting measures to manage demand in the Exeter to London corridor associated with the proposed growth at Gillingham, in particular measures to reduce the potential for increased trips on the A303; and b supporting measures to make more effective use of the existing route network including: improvements to traffic flows at 'pinch points' and key junctions; and schemes to improve environmental quality on busy routes or to improve road safety; and c the use of Transport Assessments and Transport Statements, which the Council will require to be submitted by developers to assess the impact of new development on the existing highway network, clarify its consequences and put forward mitigation measures, when considering planning applications; and d seeking improved scheduled bus services between the main towns in and beyond the District and within the main towns; encouraging community-led transport schemes in rural areas; seeking improved demand responsive public transport services; and improved rail services to and from Gillingham; and e the production of Travel Plans in association with Transport Assessments/Statements with emphasis on public transport and which will be expected from developers; and f providing and enhancing walking and cycling facilities in the main towns and in rural areas, particularly between villages and nearby towns; and completing the North Dorset Trailway as a strategic walking and cycling route; and g developing and enforcing parking standards and guidance both for residential development and other uses and the development of a strategy for off-street parking, focusing on Council and other publicly owned car parks. Utilities The Council will work with statutory undertakers, utility companies and other agencies and providers to upgrade and maintain existing utilities, including broadband provision, and provide new utilities to support development. Drainage and Flood Prevention The Council will work with the Environment Agency and other relevant bodies to make provision for dealing with flood risk, the transfer and treatment of wastewater and the introduction of sustainable drainage systems. Sustainable drainage solutions appropriate to the development and underlying ground conditions should be incorporated into all new development of ten dwellings or more and connect with the overall surface water management approach for the area. Waste The Council will work with the Dorset Waste Partnership to manage and ensure the effective collection and disposal of household waste in North Dorset. Public Realm For all large-scale development proposals, and proposals on prominent sites, the Council will seek the incorporation of public art and will encourage liaison with local artists. Developers should consider the visual impact of infrastructure such as street and other lighting at the development design stage and take full account of the needs of people with disabilities.

Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

When considering development proposals the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Council will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with policies in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether: a any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or b specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

GILLINGHAM

Sustainable Development Strategy Gillingham's role as the main service centre in the north of the District will be maintained and enhanced through: a) development and redevelopment within the settlement boundary, including the enhancement of the town centre and the mixed-use regeneration of the Station Road area; and b) the development of a strategic site allocation (SSA) to the south of the town; and c) the development of a range and choice of employment sites, including the southern extension of Brickfields Business Park; and d) an enhanced green infrastructure network focused primarily on the three river corridors through the town. Growth will be taken forward in ways which respect the town's environmental constraints, support its role, function and identity and contribute to making it more self-contained. The complementary approach of the Local Plan and the Gillingham Neighbourhood Plan will ensure the town benefits from growth to become a more vibrant and thriving place to live and work. Environment and Climate Change The impact of flooding and climate change on the town will be addressed by: e) taking account of the risks of fluvial, groundwater and surface water flooding in new development; and f) the incorporation of sustainable drainage systems into new developments. The town's natural and historic built environment will be protected and enhanced. Meeting Housing Needs At least 2,200 homes will be provided at Gillingham during the period 2011 – 2031. In addition to infilling and regeneration within the settlement boundary, Gillingham's housing needs will be met through: g) the development of a SSA to the south of the town, including on land adjacent to Lodden Lakes; land east of Ham, and land south of Ham; and h) new homes, particularly flats above shops and offices, to support the mixed-use regeneration of land at Station Road to the south of the town centre; and i) the development of the land to the south and south-west of Bay. Supporting Economic Development Employment needs in the town for the period up to 2031 will be met through: j) the mixed-use regeneration of the Station Road area, to the south of the town centre, for a range of employment uses, particularly offices; and k) the development of land to the south of Brickfields Business Park for a range of employment uses; and l) the development of land on Kingsmead Business Park for a local centre and/or for a range of employment uses; and m) the development of land at Neal's Yard Remedies, Peacemarsh for the expansion of Neal's Yard Remedies or alternatively the provision of other high value businesses, and n) the retention of existing employment sites. In the period up to 2031, additional retail floorspace will be brought forward: o) with a focus on comparison retailing as part of the mixed-use regeneration of the Station Road Area; and p) as local shops forming an integral part of the local centre to serve the SSA to the south of the town, in accordance with Policy 21. The main focus for additional retail provision and other town centre uses will be land within the existing Town Centre and land proposed for mixed-use regeneration at Station Road. Infrastructure In the period up to 2031, grey infrastructure to support growth will include: q) a new link road between the B3081 and B3092 through the SSA to the south of the town; and r) the enhancement of the railway station as a public transport hub and the improvement of the town centre's pedestrian and cycle links with the railway station and Waitrose; and s) the integration of new areas of housing development into the existing transport network through the provision of new routes/upgrading of existing routes

SHAFTESBURY

Sustainable Development Strategy Shaftesbury will maintain its role to serve the needs of the northern part of the District through: a development and regeneration within the settlement boundary; b extensions, primarily of housing, to the east and north; and c an extension to meet employment needs to the south-east. Growth will be taken forward in ways which respect the town's environmental constraints, support its role, function and identity, and contribute to making it more self-contained. Shaftesbury's distinctive natural and historic character will be retained and enhanced and the town's reputation as a centre for arts, culture and tourism will be reinforced. Environment and Climate Change The impact of flooding and climate change on the town will be addressed with measures put in place to reduce risk through: d the provision of sustainable drainage systems in all developments; and e the protection and management of valuable groundwater resources. The town's natural and historic built environments will be protected and enhanced. Meeting Housing Needs At least 1,140 homes will be provided at Shaftesbury during the period 2011 –2031. In addition to infilling and regeneration within the settlement boundary, Shaftesbury's housing needs will be met through the development of land: f to the east of the town (including the Hopkins land); and g to the south east of Wincombe Business Park; and h to the west of the A350 opposite Wincombe Business Park. Supporting Economic Development Employment needs of the town for the period up to 2031 will be met through: i the development of land to the south of the A30; and j the development of vacant sites on existing industrial estates; and k the retention of existing employment sites. Mixed-use regeneration will be encouraged on land within and to the east of the existing town centre. Within the town's settlement boundary, opportunities for tourist-related development that is sensitive to the landscape and historic setting of the town will be considered favourably. Infrastructure In the period up to 2031, grey infrastructure to support growth will include: l the provision of a new road link from the B3081 to the A30 at Enmore Green, north of Shaftesbury; and m improved walking and cycling links between the town centre and residential development to the east of the town. The route of the Shaftesbury Outer Eastern Bypass will continue to be protected from development that would prejudice its implementation in the longer-term. In the period up to 2031 social infrastructure to support growth will include: n the provision of a new community hall for the town; and o a new 2 forms of entry primary school, an extension to the secondary school and expanded further and adult education provision in the town; and p a new doctors' surgery, or the expansion or relocation of the existing doctors' surgery. A network of green infrastructure will be developed in and around Shaftesbury focusing on linking existing sites, such as the Slopes, and providing new sites and links to serve the residents of both the new and existing development in the town. This will include: q informal recreation space associated with the development of sites to the east of the town to reduce recreational pressure on nearby high value wildlife sites.

CORE SPATIAL STRATEGY

All development proposals should be located in accordance with the spatial strategy for North Dorset. The Four Main Towns Blandford (Forum and St. Mary), Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton are identified as the main towns in North Dorset. They will function as the main service centres in the District and will be the main focus for growth, both for the vast majority of housing and other development. Policies 16 to 19 set out the main locations for growth at the four main towns, which will be shown in more detail in Part 2 of the Local Plan that deals with site allocations, with the exception of the southern extension to Gillingham, which is identified as a strategic site allocation in Policy 21 of this document. Stalbridge and the Larger Villages Stalbridge and eighteen larger villages have been identified as the focus for growth to meet the local needs outside of the four main towns. These larger villages are: Bourton, Charlton Marshall, Child Okeford, East Stour, Fontmell Magna, Hazelbury Bryan, Iwerne Minster, Marnhull, Milborne St Andrew, Milton Abbas, Motcombe, Okeford Fitzpaine, Pimperne, Shillingstone, Stourpaine, Winterborne Kingston, Winterborne Stickland and Winterborne Whitechurch. The Countryside Outside the defined boundaries of the four main towns, Stalbridge and the larger villages, the remainder of the District will be subject to countryside policies where development will be strictly controlled unless it is required to enable essential rural needs to be met. At Stalbridge and all the District's villages, the focus will be on meeting local (rather than strategic) needs. Settlement Boundaries The settlement boundaries defined around the four main towns, Stalbridge and the larger villages in the North Dorset District-Wide Local Plan 2003 and proposals maps are retained and, in conjunction with Policies 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 of this document, which identify the broad locations for housing and employment growth and regeneration, will continue to be used for development management purposes until reviewed either: through site allocations in Part 2 of the Local Plan or a neighbourhood plan. The settlement boundaries defined around all other settlements in the North Dorset District-Wide Local Plan 2003 and proposals maps are removed and these settlements will be subject to countryside policies unless new settlement boundaries are defined in neighbourhood plans or in Part 2 of the Local Plan.

The Countryside

Stalbridge and the eighteen larger villages will form the focus for growth outside of the four main towns. Development in the countryside outside defined settlement boundaries will only be permitted if: a it is of a type appropriate in the countryside, as set out in the relevant policies of the Local Plan, summarised in Figure 8.5; or b for any other type of development, it can be demonstrated that there is an 'overriding need' for it to be located in the countryside.

RETAIL, LEISURE AND OTHER COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS

Hierarchy of Centres: For the purposes of considering any proposal for retail and other main town centre uses in North Dorset Blandford Forum, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton are designated as town centres. Defining Town Centres, Primary Shopping Areas and Shopping Frontages: The boundaries of town centres and primary shopping areas in the four main towns will be defined as part of Local Plan Part 2, unless previously defined in a neighbourhood plan. The primary and secondary shopping frontages in the North Dorset District-Wide Local Plan 2003 will continue to be used for development management purposes until reviewed through Local Plan Part 2 or a neighbourhood plan. Uses in Town Centres: Development for retail and other main town centre uses, including mixed-use schemes that may include an element of residential element, will be supported within a town centre provided that: a it is of a type and scale that will maintain or enhance the role and function of the town in the catchment it serves; and b it is designed to respect the historic character of the town centre; and c in the case of non-retail main town centre uses, the proposal does not undermine the focus on retailing in primary shopping areas. Uses in Primary Shopping Frontages: Within the primary shopping frontages of town centres, development resulting in the change of use from an existing ground floor A1 Class use within a unit fronting a street or pedestrian thoroughfare will not be permitted where this would result in any loss of retail frontage or ground floor net retail floorspace. Uses in Secondary Shopping Frontages: Within secondary shopping frontages, development resulting in the change of use of an existing ground floor A Class use within a unit fronting a street or pedestrian thoroughfare will not be permitted. Change of use from A1 Class use to financial and professional services (Use Class A2), restaurants and cafes (Use Class A3), drinking establishments (Use Class A4) and hot food takeaways (Use Class A5) will be permitted. Enhancing and Expanding Existing Town Centres: The Council will seek to meet the identified needs for main town centre uses by: d working to reduce vacancy rates in town centre shops; e encouraging the implementation of extant planning permissions for additional retail floorspace; f permitting retail and other main town centre uses in town centres and on sites identified for mixed-use regeneration on the edge of Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton town centres, as identified in Policy 11 – The Economy and Policies 17 to 19; and g working with local communities to take forward proposals for town centre enhancement and growth through neighbourhood planning or other local, community-based initiatives. Town Centre Uses Outside Town Centres: Proposals for retail and other main town centre uses that are not in an existing town centre and are not in accordance with the development plan will only be permitted if: h they satisfy the 'sequential test' in national policy; and i they will not have a significant adverse impact on existing, committed and planned public and private investment in a centre or centres in the catchment area of the proposal; and j they will not have a significant adverse impact on town centre vitality and viability. Markets: The Council will seek to retain and enhance existing outdoor weekly markets in North Dorset and will not permit development on the sites where the outdoor weekly markets take place that would prejudice their future operation. Shop Front Design: Proposals for the replacement, alteration or restoration of a shop front should be designed having had due regard to the Council's advice on shop front design.

Parking

Policy 23 – Parking relates to the Council's residential parking standards. These were derived from a Dorset-wide residential parking study, which took into consideration expected levels of car ownership and established the principle that residential parking provision should be sufficient to cater for the reasonable needs of the occupants and to enable them to have a choice in the mode of transport they choose for any particular journey.