The Site
Alderholt is a wonderful location for village life, set between the unique landscape of the New Forest and the rolling countryside of Cranborne Chase. The village maintains a Dorset character but with strong links to both Hampshire and Wiltshire.
The appropriateness of Alderholt being a suitable location for growth was recognised in Dorset Council’s Local Plan Options Consultation (January 2021) which presented options for growth in Alderholt, these included either (i) a level of development without new infrastructure; or (ii) transformational growth capable of providing a step-change in the provision of infrastructure in Alderholt.
Whilst broad parameters were presented in the Council’s consultation, there was very little information regarding what could be achieved through strategic growth in Alderholt.
We are aware that Alderholt is a village that wishes to maintain its facilities and sense of community, which is why we are asking for local views to help shape a positive planning application, ensuring our proposals benefit the whole community.
An alternative to Green Belt sites
Alderholt is one of the few locations capable of delivering new sustainable development in Dorset. It is not within the Green Belt or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and provide residents with services on their doorstep.
Therefore, Alderholt presents a unique and wholly deliverable opportunity to deliver growth in accordance with national planning policy.
Development at Alderholt provides certainty of delivery in the Local Plan period and a sustainable alternative to sites within the Green Belt and/or close to the AONB that have been suggested for development elsewhere in Eastern Dorset.
There is a very compelling case for strategic development at Alderholt which is rooted in more than its location outside of the Green Belt.
There are numerous other significant material considerations that would make Alderholt a sustainable and acceptable location for growth in planning terms. This includes the unique ability to positively transform the lives of future and existing residents of Alderholt by providing a transformational level of new infrastructure and facilities in Alderholt; and, the ability to provide a fantastic quality and volume of new homes, including 40% affordable homes, that will be net zero carbon and providing residents with access to over 125 acres of accessible green space, ensuring significant biodiversity net-gain.
However, it is a key consideration that the site is not within the Green Belt and therefore, in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework, it should be considered ahead of other sites that are located within the Green Belt.