Core Strategy presentation to Council

In the foreword to our Corporate Plan, the plan that all members have agreed ownership of, I as Leader of the Council write ‘we need to be innovative in our ideas and approach, especially with regard to our economic development activities as a means of promoting overall prosperity, thriving communities and housing to meet the needs of the future’. The leader of East Dorset writes ‘we share the same aims but at the same time will ensure that our plans where necessary reflect local distinctiveness.’’ That synergy is reflected also in this the Christchurch and East Dorset Joint Core strategy (the plan) Members will be aware that the plan was passed by East Dorset Council last evening By this Council taking the decision tonight to agree also to pass this plan to the final Inspector stage the plan, our plan will be on the final journey before implementation when it will sit at the heart of both Councils policies and be the guidance for developers and residents sending a clear signal that will protect and enhance the precious environment which is so important to all of us, all our residents and which is such a draw to the thousands of visitors who journey to our areas. And when this Plan is finally adopted we will, across the two Councils have put in place opportunities for industry and commerce to see that we have a commonality in our approach to welcoming new and enabling development of existing business. And more, prospective investors will see that we have an evidenced based housing program that will house our talented young people so that they can afford to stay, prosper, and make a positive contribution to our communities. I would like again to touch on the aspirations we highlight in our Corporate Plan and the policies contained in this plan designed to deliver those ambitions. Community, our aim is to help our communities thrive and prosper. The Plan will help in creating conditions where communities are supportative of each other and possibly managing services for themselves where conditions allow. And, by setting their own standards, involving themselves in neighbourhood planning and other community projects, they will shape the actions which will make communities stronger. Our plan says: - Perhaps the most important of all, our communities will thrive. The challenges of supporting a significant elderly and retired population will be planned for through the provision of appropriate housing, health and community facilities and services. Community facilities will be safeguarded and support will be given to the community groups and organisations to develop volunteering and to obtain premises from which to deliver services. Economy, our aim is to encourage enterprise, helping to establish conditions which encourage and promote growth and prosperity in our area. Policies embedded in this plan will underline our determination to see our economies grow and to tackle problems that are likely to limit that growth. Business will see a continuity of policy which announce to would be and existing investors about our determination to be a welcoming Council and a welcoming partner for business. Our plan says:-The economy of the area will grow, both by sustaining its traditional sectors such as tourism, health and education, but also by creating a mixed economy with emphasis on growth in new knowledge based sectors including engineering, creative and technical industries and the green knowledge economy. Within the rural areas traditional employment will be supported and rural diversification encouraged creating jobs and prosperity. Housing, our aim and indeed responsibility is to ensure that decisions taken today will not have an adverse effect on future generations’ appreciation of our unique environment. We must lead by example; we must be visionary and sensitive to the delicate balances that exist in our area whilst at the same time making good our commitment to deliver housing according to evidenced needs. Where and what we build must be linked to these objectives and has to apply to development. In simple terms they must be a good place to live. This plan will guide those objectives. Our plan says: - The unmet housing needs of the area will be reduced, with housing delivered of a type and tenure which meets the aspirations of those wishing to buy or rent. Almost all new housing development will contribute to the provision of affordable housing creating a step change in delivery of affordable housing and a significant reduction on waiting lists. And finally the Environment we all know how precious this whole area is from conurbation to sea shore from leafy country lanes to delicate heath lands so we must manage the conflicts between developing the built environment and protecting the natural landscape. The plan once implemented protects and provides by managing these aims. Our plan says: - The natural environment of Christchurch and East Dorset and their historic and thriving towns and villages are, and will continue to be, the most important assets for the area. The quality of this special environment will be secured sustaining growth of the local economy, and the welfare of its local communities, rather than being used as a reason to turn our back on growth which will be obtained sustainably. And so the plan is not just about green belt, it’s not just about housing it is an omnipotent public policy document which will secure our development future and furthers the ambitions of our Corporate Plan. Members this plan will be tested for soundness by the inspector, he/she will check the evidence gathered over the last seven or so years. He/she will read the comments and note the concerns and may suggest amendments in some respects. Finally he/she will see that this plan will protect the Borough and District from development outside of its policy parameters for the next fifteen years. Our vision as elected members is in our understanding the importance of sustaining our growing community under the control of this plan. This, I am sure will be admired in the years to come by those that follow us for our commitment to tackling difficult issues head on and in seeking to help deliver a prosperous future for our communities and the places in which they live.