Dorset CPRE has slammed Dorset Council's draft local plan and has come with its own alternative approach.

It states that it has not adequately consulted communities before it was published and that it fails to challenge central housing targets, which "are way in excess of any sensible forecast of local housing need".

The group's main concerns are:

• The material provided as part of the consultation is "enormous" at around 2,000 pages and the final local plan should be more concise to make it more accessible

• It does not contain a list of alternative strategic options to trigger a meaningful discussion with the public and stakeholders

• It has not challenged inflated central housing targets

• Proposals from the draft local plans of former authorities "appear to have been merely replicated" without the principals underlying such proposals being reconsidered

• The consultation period is too short

Peter Bower, chairman of trustees at Dorset CPRE, said: "Dorset Council has not created an imaginative county-wide local plan. Where are the fresh ideas for the unique character and future needs of Dorset?

"We have instead been presented with questionable assumptions, proposals for excessive housing numbers which will threaten our communities and a 'cut and paste' cumbersome strategy.

"There has been no adequate consultation on this draft local plan despite offers from many organisations to input evidence and ideas.

"Dorset CPRE calls upon Dorset Council to think again. Revisit the timetable and documents. Take a new approach to both. Lay firmer foundations for the processes of the Dorset Local Plan. Do this now by providing the community with real opportunities to contribute to the future of their county."

Dorset CPRE wants to work with Dorset Council to ensure the county has a "local plan that meets the needs of local people, communities and businesses".

Councillor David Walsh, Dorset Council portfolio holder for planning, said: "This is the time for local residents to have their say on the future of Dorset. We want to get everyone's views on the draft plan.

"We are working closely with all our stakeholders, our own councillors and town and parish councils to make sure we reach all parts of Dorset."

Dorset CPRE has published an article on an alternative approach to Dorset Council's local plan, which can be found here

A spokesman for Dorset CPRE said: "Dorset CPRE wants to work constructively to help the Dorset Council develop a sound plan which meets the needs of our communities and helps them to thrive sustainably.

"We need a local plan that is based on full consultation with the people of Dorset on the issues and options that will shape our future. This includes the key issue of housing need and numbers.

"Central housing targets put at risk our communities and environment. We should all want a local plan to reflect genuine local housing needs and for the Dorset Council to be ready to justify a Dorset-based approach to the planning inspectorate at public examination. Other council have successfully made the case for locally appropriate housing numbers below central targets.

"Dorset needs a local plan that is achievable, deliverable and reflects and responds to local need. It is in the interests of the Dorset Council as well as all Dorset's communities, businesses and residents that a locally relevant and achievable local plan is developed."

To view the plan and to give your comments, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Webinars on the local plan are available on Dorset Council's YouTube channel.

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