20 December 2018

Streamlined planning approved for Dorset Innovation Park

The go-ahead has been given for an accelerated planning process for a key employment site in Dorset.

Through an approved Local Development Order (LDO), fast-track planning for employment development will now be possible at the Dorset Innovation Park Enterprise Zone site near Wool.

Purbeck District Council’s Planning Committee approved the order at its 19 December 2018 meeting.

The LDO enables appropriate development, whilst respecting the local environment.

It was prepared by consultants, Stride Treglown, in 2018 using feedback gathered from residents, businesses and other organisations during public consultations.

Councillor Cherry Brooks, Purbeck District Council and Dorset County Council member and portfolio holder said: “Co-ordinated appropriate development at the site can now be enabled through a fast planning process, benefiting existing businesses and those planning to move to the site. At the same time, we are able to safeguard the special qualities of this sensitive area.”

Councillor Brooks continued: “This will be a unique selling point for the site and, consequently, make it easier for businesses to create quality jobs and boost the local economy.”

Jim Stewart, Chair of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, welcomed the LDO approval for Dorset Innovation Park. He said: “The Local Development Order is the key that will unlock rapid investment in the site by target sector companies, reducing the planning process from several months to less than 28 days.

“The LDO will benefit those wanting to expand their existing businesses on site, relocate to take advantage of business rate relief, or respond quickly to newly awarded contracts. This will all lead to new highly skilled employment opportunities and an increase in employment productivity for Dorset.”

Dorset Innovation Park is a significant strategic employment site for Dorset. It is developing as an advanced engineering and manufacturing cluster of excellence for the South West, building on strengths in, marine, defence and energy technology.

Significant investment in the whole site by Purbeck District Council, Dorset County Council and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership is providing a new opportunity for businesses by offering attractive Enterprise Zone benefits such as business rate reduction, streamlined planning and access to full fibre broadband connectivity.