LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Why are new homes needed?
Every local authority is required by Government to identify sufficient land for future housing through its Local Plan.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is preparing a new Local Plan and, like many authorities across the South of England, faces significant pressure to deliver more homes, particularly affordable housing.
National planning policy supports new homes in sustainable locations close to existing communities and services.
Planning for the future of Bransgore
Bransgore is a special village with a strong community, rich history and attractive rural setting on the edge of the New Forest. These qualities make it a highly desirable place to live, but also create challenges shared by many villages across Dorset and Hampshire.
Rising house prices and a shortage of affordable homes make it difficult for younger people to remain in the village, while many older residents cannot find suitable homes to downsize into locally. Without carefully planned growth, communities can become less balanced over time, with fewer younger families and local workers.
Our proposals seek to help address these challenges while respecting the qualities that make Bransgore unique. The site is sustainably located, with a wide range of existing facilities within a 20-minute walk or cycle, as illustrated left.
(Map data copyrighted OpenStreetMap contributors and available from https://www.openstreetmap.org)
Supporting Local People
Providing a wider choice of homes, including up to 50% affordable housing, could help local people remain within the community at every stage of life.
This includes younger people wishing to stay close to family and friends, older residents seeking smaller, more manageable homes, and those who have moved away because of a lack of suitable or affordable housing but would welcome the opportunity to return.
Whether supporting aging relatives, raising families or simply remaining close to their community, a balanced mix of homes helps create a stronger, more resilient and sustainable village.
Supporting a Thriving Village
Well-planned development can strengthen existing communities as well as provide new homes. Additional residents help support local shops, cafés, pubs, schools, community organisations, sports clubs, public transport and local employment.
We understand the local primary school has experienced falling pupil numbers and the village pre-school currently has spare capacity. While new housing is only part of the solution, welcoming more families can help support the long-term sustainability of these important local facilities and services.
Successful villages continue to evolve. The challenge is ensuring growth is carefully planned, sympathetically designed and supported by the right infrastructure. With the National Park protecting land to the north, east and south of Bransgore, the land to the west represents the village’s most logical direction for future growth.
If new homes are needed, we believe they should leave a positive and lasting legacy for both existing and future generations.
Share your feedback
We genuinely welcome your views and every comment helps us create a better proposal.
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