HOUSING targets initially set out for BCP Council are unlikely to be met entirely within the conurbation, documents have revealed. 

The authority’s local plan states around 40,000 homes must be built in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole over the next 15 years – the equivalent of 2,718 made per year. 

BCP Council’s draft local plan, currently being considered by the government, sets a target of 1,200 homes a year from 2024/25 to 2028/29 and 1,800 homes per year until 2038/39. 

This equates to 24,000 homes over the 15-year period, which BCP Council has said would be a shortfall of 16,000 homes over the period. 

In a bid to help meet these targets, offers at BCP Council have written to Dorset Council asking for assistance. 

File image of homes being builtFile image of homes being built (Image: PA)

Steve Dring, BCP’s interim planning policy manager, asked in a letter to the neighbouring authority for formal confirmation whether Dorset Council can help BCP meet the unmet housing need. 

Mr Dring wrote: “We note Dorset Council’s representations about the sustainability of growth on the outer edge of the Green Belt as opposed to the inner edge.  

“We are happy to explore the options for meeting unmet need with the Dorset Council and contribute to sustainability appraisal in the upcoming Dorset Council Local Plan.” 

Finding space to build new homes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole – a vastly urban conurbation – appears to have been a difficult task for the authority. 

While 90 per cent of BCP’s new housing is being proposed for existing urban areas, there is a remaining 10 per cent that is expected to be delivered via “urban extensions”. 

But much of BCP’s green space is protected, such as the heathlands. 

Dorset Council said: “It is however concerning that there are no proposals within the BCP Council Local Plan to release development sites from the Green Belt despite the shortfall in identified supply.” 

Michael Garrity, Dorset Council’s head of planning, said the “implications of the scale of the shortfall” on the Dorset Council area would need to be “evaluated and given full consideration” by cabinet. 

A report by Dorset Council’s strategic planning manager Terry Sneller to cabinet, said a “strategic review” of green belt opportunities is needed inside both BCP and Dorset council areas.

Mr Sneller added: “With the proposed increase in housing targets arising from the government’s recent consultation on plan-making reforms, it is unlikely that there will be capacity for Dorset Council to meet the unmet need arising from the BCP Council area.” 

Dorset Council’s cabinet will discuss and decide a way forward at a meeting on October 15.