6. Vision, Aims and Objectives

Our Vision:

By 2038, Weymouth will be a resilient coastal community with a diverse range of jobs and homes which meet the needs of residents for present generations without compromising the needs of future generations. The unique identities of our local neighbourhoods will be attractive to all age groups and will foster healthy and happy lifestyles.

6.1 The planning framework for the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan comprises:

the aims - it is hoped that the Plan can help achieve; and
the objectives - that we expect the Plan to attain by the application of appropriate neighbourhood planning policies.

6.2 The vision, aims and objectives of the Neighbourhood Plan were developed by a process of community consultation, comprising an initial survey carried out in January 2021 which asked open questions about living in Weymouth. This was followed by analysis of the ‘evidence’ that was gathered under five theme headings. An initial set of aims²⁸ was prepared in response to the first consultation in Dec 2020/Jan 2021. These were assembled into five themes and intended to apply across the whole of Weymouth. The Aims and comments made by residents were explored during 12 ‘walkabouts’ from August 2021 to December 2021, class work in 5 schools, and a second engagement through and a survey between May and September 2021. Following these consultations, the aims were further refined and for each aim neighbourhood planning objectives were prepared.

6.3 The feedback and evidence was captured in the Key Findings & Messages document²⁹. Analysis of this led to a revision of the aims and objectives which were agreed by the Steering Group on 7^th November 2022. It is based on these aims and objectives that the policies in the Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan have been prepared.

6.4 Following strong community support, in the 3^rd public engagement in January/February 2023, it has been decided that the objectives set out under the Environmental Sustainability Theme heading should underpin all policies. This supports the Town Council’s declared Climate and Ecological Emergency. The four objectives are regarded as ‘cross-cutting’ and all policies in the Neighbourhood Plan will be tested against them. This reflects local concern about the potential impact of climate change and a genuine statement of intent that:

planning policies should require development to achieve high standards of environmental sustainability;
development proposals should set out in detail their green credentials; and
planning decisions taken locally should ensure that development contributes to a low carbon economy.

Environmental Sustainability

Aim: To ensure development achieves or surpasses national and local agreed targets relating to the sustainable use of land and buildings, net-zero carbon emissions, improving biodiversity, and ensuring future resilience to climate change impacts.

Cross-cutting objective(s):

• Carbon Neutrality - All new developments are expected to minimise the emissions of greenhouse gases and be as near to carbon neutral as is reasonably possible.

• Resource Efficiency - All new developments are expected to maximise the sustainable use of natural resources and the re-use and recycling of resources, and minimise energy consumption and waste.

• Biodiversity Enhancement - All new developments are expected to include measures to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the area.

• Climate Change Management - All new developments are expected to result in no increase in the risk of flooding and provide adequate resilience to extreme weather events.

Landscape and Greenspace

Aim 1: To preserve and enhance our distinctive environments including its landscapes and coastline.

Objectives

identify and protect key locations and special habitats.
promote development that complements and enhances the landscape and seascape character.
support required flood resilience measures.
facilitate responsible public access to the countryside and coastline.

Aim 2: Encourage engagement with nature, enhance biodiversity and habitat conservation, and invest in our natural environment and ecosystems.

Objectives

conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the area.
deliver at least the national mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), with the expectation that a higher percentage will be sought where possible.
protect wildlife habitats and key landscape features and characteristics.
protect existing and promote the provision of native tree/hedge species in new developments.
improve and extend green infrastructure.

Aim 3: Create an integrated network of green and blue infrastructure, habitats, parks, water, and nature trails.

Objectives

protect important green gaps between settlement areas.
identify and protect local green spaces.
create and enhance green linkages between neighbourhoods and developed areas.

Development and Homes

Aim 1: Provide a broad mix of homes, which align with housing need.

Objectives

Establish an appropriate mix of dwellings on new developments.
Ensure housing development is suitable to its locality.
Prioritise local housing needs.
Maximise the provision of affordable housing.
Meet the identified need for special housing.

Aim 2: Support and encourage the reuse of brownfield sites.

Objectives

Prioritise and facilitate brownfield site development.
Support community housing initiatives.
Encourage innovation in the provision of more homes.

Aim 3: Remain responsive to local housing issues and opportunities.

Objectives

Support appropriate modifications and extensions to existing homes.
Control housing conversions and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Restrict second homes and holiday lets.
Ensure new homes are as energy efficient as possible.
Identify opportunities for affordable housing schemes.

Aim 4: Achieve the highest sustainability standards for all new development.

Objectives

Use sustainable building techniques and sustainable materials.
Achieve the highest possible standards of energy efficiency.
Create a safe and inclusive environment.

Jobs and the Local Economy

Aim 1: Protect and enhance employment provision.

Objectives

Safeguard existing employment spaces.
Support improvements and enhancements to existing business and industrial areas.
Support new employment uses in suitable locations.

Aim 2: Preserve and enhance Weymouth’s unique built and maritime heritage, leisure, and entertainment offering to provide a thriving local economy.

Objectives

Control Town Centre uses and development in the interest of its character and vitality.
Support development and uses that contribute positively to the local economy.
Encourage tourism, arts, and culture across Weymouth.
Promote the full use of properties in the Town Centre.

Aim 2: Encourage the creation of a wide range of jobs and training opportunities.

Objectives

Promote mixed use development such as live/work units.
Support the provision of new education and training facilities.

Aim 3: Promote and facilitate the production and use of renewable energy.

Objectives

Promote community-scale renewable energy schemes and initiatives.
Identify suitable areas for renewable and low carbon energy sources, and supporting infrastructure.

Communities

Aim 1: Celebrate the unique character and culture of each local neighbourhood.

Objectives

Reinforce the unique character of each local neighbourhood.
Promote sustainable neighbourhoods.
Protect existing community facilities.
Support the provision of community hubs.
Support community-based initiatives and enterprise.
Encourage the provision of new cultural and leisure facilities.
Maximise the reuse of buildings.
Create more interesting and appealing public spaces.
Protect green spaces.
Support sustainable local food production.
Protect existing allotments and support new allotments that meet a local demand.
Improve the value and appeal of the Town Centre and neighbourhood centres.

Aim 2: Allocate sustainable sites for new homes and jobs which are within walking distance to town or a neighbourhood centre.

Objectives

Identify suitable development sites.
Support local community housing initiatives.
Encourage innovation in the provision of new homes.
Ensure new development is well connected.
Ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place in good time.

Aim 3: Protect and enhance the distinctive historic character of the conservation areas and other heritage locations.

Objectives

Protect historic buildings, sites, and structures from harm.
Respect the scale, style and setting of the site, with special reference to historic townscapes.
Identify and safeguard non-designated heritage buildings, structures, and sites.
Ensure development is sympathetic to and enhances the character of the surrounding area.
Promote high quality public realm enhancements.

Aim 4: Achieve the highest sustainability standards for all new development.

Objectives

Protect recreational spaces and ensure they are sufficient to meet local demand.
Provide sufficient areas of green space within new developments.
Meet or exceed national standards for play spaces and sports pitches.
Support improvements and enhancements to existing recreation and sports facilities that help ensure all needs are met.

Aim 5: Reduce car movements and encourage sustainable transport modes.

Draft Objectives

Support public and community transport initiatives.
Support measures to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety.
Support traffic management measures for the Town Centre.
Improve, extend and interconnect the footpath and cycle network.
Facilitate electric vehicle charging facilities.
Support the provision of additional facilities for bikes, scooters and electric cars and boats.

²⁸ Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan - Vision, Mission & Aims - May 2021

²⁹ Weymouth NP Key Findings and Messages

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