Policy CNP 1. Chickerell Local Centre and other valued community facilities
Within the defined local retail centre in East Street (as identified on Map 4), retail and other E class or similar sui generis uses appropriate to a local centre will be supported. Any physical alterations should ensure that there is an active frontage that enlivens the streetscene, and make suitable provision for customer parking.
Development proposals to improve the provision of community facilities (including those listed below and shown on Map 3) will be supported. Every effort should be made to work with the local community and relevant authorities to investigate potential solutions to avoid the loss of any of the following facilities:
Policy CNP 2. Chickerell Village Local Green Spaces
The following areas (as shown on Map 3) are designated as Local Green Spaces, and, other than in very special circumstances, no inappropriate development will be permitted that would harm their reason for designation:
Development within and adjoining Chickerell Village should respect and enhance local landscape character, including the retention of mature trees and native hedgerows, and the smaller green spaces that collectively contribute to the village character. Infill development of garden land will be resisted where there is a lack of tree cover in the surrounding area.
Policy CNP 3. Land to the rear of Montevideo House
Land to the rear of Montevideo House (as shown on Map 3) is allocated for housing, provided that the use and design would sustain and enhance the significance of the Listed Building and make a positive contribution to its setting, local character and distinctiveness. The layout and design will need to avoid damage to the existing public sewer and pumping station on the site, and the plans should clearly show how the disposal of both foul and surface water run-off will be dealt adequately. Any proposal must demonstrate that there are no direct or indirect negative impacts on the internationally designated wildlife sites and associated protected species that cannot be appropriately mitigated, in accordance with Policy ENV2 of the Local Plan.
Policy CNP 4. Chickerell Wildlife Corridor
The undeveloped Chickerell Wildlife E-W Corridor (as shown on Map 5) forms an important network of multifunctional green space capable of delivering a wide range of environmental benefits. Development that would significantly detract from this function will be resisted. The impact of any development required for the delivery of the new road connecting the Chickerell Link Road with School Hill (LP policy CHIC2) should not result in any significant adverse consequences which cannot be successfully mitigated.
Policy CNP 5. Charlestown Local Centre and other valued community facilities
Within the defined local retail centre in Charlestown (as shown on Map 6) retail and other E class or similar sui generis uses appropriate to a local centre will be supported. Any physical alterations should ensure that there is an active frontage that enlivens the streetscene, and make suitable provision for customer parking.
Development proposals to improve the provision of community facilities (including those listed below and shown on Map 6) will be supported, and every effort should be made to work with the local community and relevant authorities to investigate potential solutions to avoid any loss:
Policy CNP 6. Land at Budmouth Academy Weymouth
Land at Budmouth Academy Weymouth, as shown on Map 6 for school / community use expansion, is safeguarded for the academy’s future expansion and community sports provision.
Policy CNP 7. Charlestown's Local Green Spaces
The following areas as shown on Map 6 are designated as Local Green Spaces, and, other than in very special circumstances, no inappropriate development will be permitted that would harm their reason for designation:
Policy CNP 8. Wyke Regis Wildlife Corridor
The Wyke Regis E-W Wildlife Corridor (as shown on Map 5) forms an important wildlife corridor that runs through to Little Francis in Weymouth. Development that would significantly detract from this function will be resisted.
Policy CNP 9. The Fleet and Heritage Coast
Development within the Heritage Coast to the south side of the Coast Road in Chickerell (as shown on the Policies Map) will be carefully assessed in recognition of the need to protect the landscape character and enjoyment of the Heritage Coast, including views across the area from the Coast Road (where it adjoins the Heritage Coast) and views from the South West Coast Path, and to avoid disturbance to protected species on the Fleet.
All development proposals should protect, and where appropriate enhance, the biodiversity of the countryside, the Heritage Coast and The Fleet. Where significant adverse impacts cannot be avoided, mitigation or compensation measures will be considered in the determination of planning applications in this area.
Policy CNP 10. Locally Valued Landscape north and east of Chickerell Village
The area on and below the ridgeline running east-west from Chickerell Hill (north of Courage Way) to Coldharbour (junction with Harbour Hill), as shown on Map 5 as Land of Local Landscape Importance, is a locally valued landscape that should be protected for the following qualities:
Opportunities to enhance the landscape features, biodiversity and informal recreational use of this area will be supported.
The impact of any development required for the successful delivery of the new road connecting the Chickerell Link Road with School Hill, should not result in significant damage to the landscape and wildlife corridors that cannot be successfully mitigated.
Policy CNP 11. General Design Principles
Development should be located and designed so that it does not detract from and, where reasonable, enhances the local landscape character. All applications for new development should demonstrate a high quality of design, including details and materials that are sympathetic to the character of the local area. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how they have taken into account local characteristics and views of the development site, to create visual interest, and should have regard to the following local priorities:
Policy CNP 12. Enhancing Biodiversity
Development should protect and, wherever practicable, enhance biodiversity, through an understanding of the wildlife interest that may be affected by development, and the inclusion of measures that will secure an overall biodiversity gain. To demonstrate this is achieved, a certified Biodiversity Plan as required by the Dorset Biodiversity Appraisal Protocol where a development would involve any of the following:
Where developments do not trigger the need for a Biodiversity Plan, ecological enhancements, such as bat, bird or bee boxes, and native planting schemes, should be incorporated into the development if at all feasible. Site plans should clearly show the provision of any wildlife corridors and biodiversity features that are to be retained or provided as part of the layout and design of the development.
2016-17
Following successful area designation, the working committee held a community ‘drop in’ event at Willowbed Hall during November 2016. The community were invited to attend to share thoughts and how they could participate in the formation of the plan. The event was run in conjunction with the Spirit of Chickerell Village Café.
2017-18
A Neighbourhood Plan Questionnaire was launched in November 2017; a booklet comprising of 18 key questions sent to all households within the town inviting everyone to take part. This ensured a wide range of views were received, not just those of the Committee or Town Council. 569 questionnaires were returned, a 23% response rate. In addition to the household questionnaire, 284 Chickerell businesses were consulted and invited to make comment. The questionnaire results can be viewed https://chickerelltowncouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Questionnaire-results-Q-only.pdf
2018-19
Consultation with the former West Dorset District Council commenced regarding Strategic Environmental Assessment screening. The District Council produced a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening Report, which was subject to consultation with the statutory consultation bodies, Natural England, Historic England and Environment Agency. The final report was published and can be viewed https://chickerelltowncouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20190516-Chickerell-NP-SEA-Screening-following-consultation.pdf
The need for a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) was also consulted on and deemed not required by Dorset Council.
2019-20
Pre-Submission Consultation on the Draft Plan took place over a two month period between 13 December 2019 to 15 February 2020. Over 100 people attended the consultation events, and written comments were received from about 15 organisations and individuals, some supporting the plan and others suggesting further changes. All comments were considered in finalising the plan.
Housing for sale or rent, for those whose needs are not met by the market (including housing that provides a subsidised route to home ownership and/or is for essential local workers); and which complies with the definitions as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. This covers affordable housing for rent; starter homes; discounted market sales housing and other affordable routes to home ownership.
An area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) is land protected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act). It protects the land to conserve and enhance its natural beauty
Land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land (although it should not be assumed that the whole of the curtilage should be developed) and any associated fixed surface infrastructure. This excludes: land that is or was last occupied by agricultural or forestry buildings; land that has been developed for minerals extraction or waste disposal by landfill, where provision for restoration has been made through development management procedures; land in built-up areas such as residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments; and land that was previously developed but where the remains of the permanent structure or fixed surface structure have blended into the landscape.
A levy allowing the Councils to raise funds from owners or developers of land undertaking new building projects in the area.
An area that is of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.
Is defined in section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, and includes adopted local plans, neighbourhood plans that have been made and published spatial development strategies, together with any regional strategy policies that remain in force. Neighbourhood plans that have been approved at referendum are also part of the development plan, unless the local planning authority decides that the neighbourhood plan should not be made.
For the purposes of this plan employment includes development such as offices, workshops and industrial premises, storage and distribution warehouses and sui generis uses commonly found on industrial estates. It does not apply to farming and tourist accommodation providers. It is noted that the Government has recently moved offices and light industry from class B1 of the Use Classes order and incorporated these uses into a much broader new E class.
Employment sites refer to land or premises that are presently in an employment use, or previously in an employment use if now vacant.
The place in which a species of animal or plant lives, providing a particular set of environmental conditions. Often used in a wider sense, referring to major assemblages or communities of plants and animals found together.
A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. They are likely to hold evidence of the substance and evolution of places, and of the people and cultures that made them. Designated heritage assets include World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, Protected Wreck Sites, Registered Parks and Gardens, Registered Battlefields and Conservation Areas designated under the relevant legislation. Features of a heritage asset include those which contribute to its special historical, archaeological, social, artistic or architectural interest.
A non-statutory designation used for sections of largely undeveloped coast that are of exceptionally fine landscape / scenic quality, established to: conserve, protect and enhance the natural beauty of the coastline, its flora and fauna, its heritage features and to encourage and help the public to enjoy, understand and appreciate these areas.
A local designation originally included in the West Dorset and Weymouth Local Plan that identified land of local (as opposed to nationally important) landscape value. This Neighbourhood Plan seeks to redefine the LLLI in relation to Chickerell parish.
Historic buildings or other structures identified by Historic England of being of national importance for their historic, cultural or architectural interest, and included on their list. These can be Grade I (the highest category), Grade II* or (most commonly) Grade II. See also definition of Heritage Asset.
The plan for the future development of the local area drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community.
The public body whose duty it is to carry out specific planning functions for a particular area – within Chickerell this is Dorset Council
A space of public value, of particular importance to the local community and demonstrably special (but not necessarily public ownership). This may be for its recreation, wildlife, landscape or historic value. Such spaces must not be an extensive tract of land and must be close to the community they serve.
Species specially protected by the law primarily under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
An approach used for selecting retail sites in respect of their nearness to the Town Centre concerned, wherever possible seeking to focus new development within or failing that, on well located sites on the edge of, existing centres. Only if centre or edge of centre sites are not available will out of centre locations be appropriate, provided they are acceptable in other respects.
Sites selected for their habitat or species interest. In Dorset these sites are selected by an SNCI Panel with representatives of Dorset Wildlife Trust, Dorset Environmental Records Centre, Natural England and Dorset County Council.
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is the land notified as an SSSI under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), as amended. Sites notified under the 1949 Act only are not included in the Data set. SSSI are the finest sites for wildlife and natural features in England, supporting many characteristic, rare and endangered species, habitats and natural features.
A Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is the land designated under Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Is the land classified under Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds.
Planning uses that do not fall within any other use class
Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is about supporting growth and innovation for jobs and prosperity, creating a high quality built environment with accessible local services and the home to meet current and future needs, whilst protecting and enhancing our environment, using natural resources wisely and minimizing waste and pollution.
International, national and locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity: All international sites (Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, and Ramsar sites), national sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and locally designated sites including Local Wildlife Sites.
An area considered to be of outstanding universal value that meets one or more of the four criteria set out by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). In Dorset, the World Heritage Site refers to the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site, popularly known as the ‘Jurassic Coast', which was designated because it is considered to be an outstanding example representing major stages of the Earth's history., including the record of life, significant ongoing geological processes in the development of landforms, and significant geomorphic or physiographic features.