Context
West Dorset faces a severe housing shortage, particularly for affordable homes suitable for key workers and young families. However, 70% of the area is designated as protected national landscape.
Question
West Dorset desperately needs new housing that is actually affordable for local people, especially key workers and young families looking to get on the housing ladder, but 70% of West Dorset falls within a protected national landscape, formerly an area of outstanding natural beauty. Rigid housing targets could lead to inappropriate developments that undermine the character of this protected area. What discussions has the Department had with local authorities in Dorset on adjusting housing targets to reflect the constraints of the national landscape and our rural infrastructure challenges?
Answer from The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
Local authorities use the standard method to assess housing needs, but they can show evidence of any hard constraints in their areas, including protected landscapes. Those will be assessed by the Planning Inspectorate to judge whether the plan is sound. We are clear that local authorities should explore all options to deliver the homes that their communities need, including maximising the use of brownfield land, working with neighbouring authorities and, where appropriate, reviewing their green belt.
Not addressed: The Minister did not specify any discussions or concrete actions taken by the Department to adjust housing targets for West Dorset specifically.
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