The new Dorset DLP will affect Sherborne for the next twenty years. So, a child starting primary
school next autumn may well be looking for a job, housing and school places and health care for
their own families within the life of the Dorset Local Plan (DLP) With this perspective in mind,
Sherborne Town Council supports holistic development that ensures the future economic, social and
environmental health of our community.
The Council’s response to the proposed Dorset DLP falls into three broad categories: housing, town
centre economic revival and environmental concerns.
- Significant numbers of new homes must be accompanied by the infrastructure necessary to
support vibrant communities: new school places, health facilities, shops, leisure space and
improved transport links and infrastructure. - Whatever the nature of the post-COVID economy, the Town Council strongly supports
measures to ensure the economic revival and refurbishment of our beautiful town centre and
the creation of additional job opportunities in new employment land. - To ensure Sherborne remains a prosperous and welcoming place for resident families and
visitors, the Town Council supports a wide range of green environmental policies to develop
healthy open spaces and well-designed, thermally efficient homes and workplaces.
Sherborne Town Council broadly support the green objectives set out in the DLP but would
wish to see more challenging targets and more actions for house builders with green
objectives ‘hard wired’ into planning agreements.
The Town Council understands and acknowledges the land availability, geography and the need to
protect the heritage assets of the town when sites are selected for proposed development.
The way in which the DLP is put together involves an Urban Designer sitting down and looking at
the land available, the green spaces and the existing roads, then calculating the number of homes and
the sizes of homes. So, in effect the Designer is reviewing the only land available to the West, which
is represented in the plan. Members note the importance of any proposals within the outlying villages
or the West of Yeovil, which might have an impact and effect Sherborne and the demand for
shops/roads, schools and parking. Also, most of the services in Sherborne are in the East of the town
and the proposed new development is in the west, thus creating stress on the already busy junctions
within the town. It was noted by Members that 1200 homes would potentially bring 2400 extra cars
to the area.
Infrastructure improvements would be necessary to cater for this potential size of development, along
with those outside Sherborne which might still impact on it. Also, the current proposal for Sherborne
House – if this is approved and it becomes a centre for the arts and a busy hub, this too will create
further demands on infrastructure. Members noted the potential improvement works that might be
required at the Newel junction site because of such development. The Gryphon school and
Sherborne Abbey Primary School are nearing capacity and may need to be expanded to continue to
deliver educational needs young people. There would need to be sufficient medical provision, as
well as more local stores and additional car parks.
With this potential increase in building comes the need for employment land. Approximately 4 – 5
acres have been designated at the end of Bradford Road in the DLP. Members expressed concerns
about the traffic management associated with businesses development at this location potentially
using Bradford Road and noted the high-water table and likelihood of flooding at the proposed site
near Lenthay Common. Another suggestion would be to create an alternative route to the A30 to
specifically cater for additional heavy traffic, bearing in mind the potential number of new homes
and lorries. Members noted the importance of creating new jobs focussing on both existing
businesses and the creation of new employment opportunities.
It is inevitable that the proposed additional homes will be built in stages as demonstrated on the
recent Barton Farm development. The likelihood will be new housing units comprising a mixture
of small and larger homes rather than 1200 homes of equal sizes. Homes in the future should be
built to accommodate the changes that will inevitably happen after Covid. Many people are now
working from home so houses should be built to include office space for adults and possibly children.
Moreover, Sherborne Town Council asks Dorset Council to formally adopt the Governments 2015
Nationally described Space Standard which sets out detailed guidance on the minimum size of new
homes. Under the new standard, a new one bed, one person flat would have to be a minimum of
37m2 while a three bed, five-person home would be a minimum of 93m2.
The West of Sherborne is a beautiful part of the town with stunning views.
The proposed development will have an effect Sherborne for the next 20 years and Members
considered the existing services and the demands presently on them. Consideration will need to be
given for improvements to the existing sewerage system, broadband services and mobile phone
networks. A considerable amount of CIL/S106 money will come with this size of development and
it is important that it is used in the best locations and with suitable and adequate infrastructure
introduced. The need for affordable housing and starter homes is vitally important, not only for the
younger population but also for those who are retired and on a limited pension. A high percentage
of new homes should be affordable. Members feel that 500 affordable homes should be introduced
which would mean the overall introduction of at least 1500 homes. Members feel it is vital that any
new homes introduced would need to generate sufficient infrastructure to accommodate the new
residents. A careful balance of new homes and sufficient infrastructure should be identified, working
with Dorset Council to establish how many homes would need to be built to ensure adequate local
provision. The Town Council would like to see all new homes ‘built to the maximum sustainable
environmental standard to meet carbon neutrality’. Members also stressed the importance
Community Land Trusts which can be set up and run by ordinary people to develop and manage
homes as well as other assets. A Community Land Trust could act as long-term steward of housing,
ensuring that it remains genuinely affordable, based on what people earn in their area, not just for
now but for every future occupier. Also, Community Self Builds to help bring down the costs. The
importance of housing design, colours and finishing’s that blend well with the town is crucial when
building new homes.
Members discussed the possibility of introducing an extension to the Barton Farm development
which could benefit the town by making it necessary for the creation of a road that would link the
Marston Road with the A30, so that anyone approaching from Yeovil or that side of town could
avoid using the Newell Junction.
Members suggested the formation of a Town Plan would be beneficial to focus on both a vision and
the aspirations of the Town Council. Consultation with residents would be crucial to formulate such
a plan. A progressive and forward-thinking plan which could include the expansion of Cheap Street
into the Old Market Car Park to include facilities such as a Cinema. The big question is how we get
to a level of quality housing that also brings the necessary infrastructure.
The main place for building is to the West of town, but the services are to the middle and to the East.
How can those living in the new homes easily get into town to shop and use services without having
a traffic snarl up.
It is vitally important that suitable health provision is in place to cope with additional development
and suitable community health facilities are sorely needed for the West. The Town Council needs to
work closely with the Yeatman Hospital, the PPG, NHS and Clinical Commissioning Group to
identify suitable health provision moving forward. Suggestions include the possibility of a medical
centre/community healthcare hub, dentist which could include moving hospital provision to a new
location in the West of the Town.
The Barton Farm development was built with no community centre. Two Community Centres/
Social Hubs are desperately needed in the West to provide a broad range of important functions:
creche/meeting place/exercise/place of worship/social interaction and to develop a meaningful sense
of community.
Transportation would again be a critical factor with the need to consider a link road from the A30 to
any new development to the West of the Town. Also, consideration for a link road from Marston
Road to the A30.
It is also vital that links are established for pupils going to the Sherborne Abbey Primary School
from any new development to include both a pedestrian and vehicular link. Improvements should
also be considered to the existing road network which includes Lenthay Road in to assist access to
the school. This road is already congested at peak times for school drop off and pickups. The
introduction of new bollards at the school, might help this potential issue when introducing future
new housing nearby. Although access for maintenance of the railway line only should be maintained.
The expansion of Sherborne Abbey Primary School would also need to be an important factor
considered to accommodate extra children resulting from new housing.
Other factors would need to include Walkways, Cycleways, Green buffer zones, New Tree planting
and Wildlife habitat areas. The possible introduction of a new Supermarket or small out of town
store like that of Lidl/Aldi may be well received locally. This proposal would be in addition to the
town centre development and the potential introduction of new shops or stores. Now is the time to
rethink network of roads within Sherborne, making sure routes are favourable and rat-runs
discouraged by changing priorities. For instance, to encourage traffic to use Horsecastles Lane to
link the A30 with the A352, likewise discourage traffic from using Long Street when coming down
Oborne Road, but to use New Road instead. To look at the option to introduce a Traffic Regulation
Order to reduce traffic speed in the centre of Town to 20 mph. To make more roads ‘one-way’ to
facilitate more cycle paths. To re-examine the junction between New Road and the A352 which has
been the scene of many accidents. To suggest a holistic approach to town traffic problems and use
CIL funds generated by the new developments to pay for these improvements.
The introduction of Sports Playing Pitches and comprehensive recreation areas with ‘pitch and putt’
and running tracks. Further additional Children’s Play Areas would be welcome in the West of the
town, as the majority are presently in the East. To attempt to introduce leisure or sports activities
for all age groups, especially the young adults.
Members have noted the present Westbridge Park Allotment site is not included in the DLP, although
there is a suggestion that the site should be relocated. The Town Council do not support the
suggestion of relocating the present allotment site as it acts as a natural buffer to the proposed new
development and the site has been cultivated for many years resulting in evident biodiversity. It is
also noted that the proposed site floods regularly in winter.
Sherborne is a destination for people who are retiring or in their later years and there is
encouragement for the elderly to remain living independently. Within the proposed DLP there is a
suggested proportion 20% of development for this age group, but there is a suggestion this should
be increased to 25% to accommodate this potential future demand. Members indicated their
concerns that the ‘Platinum Skies’ development is still shown as a proposal when in fact it is an
almost completed development here in Sherborne.
The Town Council understand that Sherborne Castle Estates (SCE) has outlined a potential project
to enhance and improve the concept of having two large housing developments on either side of the
A30 which is well received and supported by the Town Council. SCE’s intention is to create a ‘place’
that can evolve, rather than set out to build a specific number of houses. The sites can develop with
the infrastructure with provision to be considered for education and medial provision. The
importance of creating somewhere that would have a zero-carbon footprint, where all services are
within walking/cycling distances is well received.
The Town Council support the proposals for the ‘civilising’ of the A30, with the potential to bring it
down to a single carriageway as it approaches Sherborne to slow it down and reduce the potential
for speeding. This would not only enhance the proposed housing developments, but also make the
gateway to Sherborne far more attractive and safer. There would be development on both sides and
the ability to walk across the road. Members were supportive of these draft proposals and welcomed
the concept of making a ‘place’ rather than just simply bolting on two new housing developments,
without details of improved infrastructure.
The Town Council are aware of proposals to regenerate parts of the town centre. There are questions
over the present ownership of the land and the potential for relocation of present occupiers. The site
itself houses public toilets and the telephone exchange. Members welcomed the concept and its
potential to improve that area of the town with a plan to bring together various artistic functions.
The Town Council is keen to see the land granted for an Arts Project be returned to the Town Council
and the opening of the access between the land and Paddock Gardens. The overall site has the
potential to create a Community Hub to include the Town Council offices, tourism provision and
other local community organisations. Also, members considered the need for more, or larger hotels
to accommodate increased numbers of anticipated visitors to Sherborne House and the Art Farm.
Members have made several observations about town centre development. The importance of
defining the Primary and Secondary shopping areas will assist businesses in Cheap Street, South
Street, Half Moon Street, Long Street and Swan Yard. The importance of working with the Chamber
of Trade and Commerce and the Independent shops is essential to establishing what direction they
wish to go in and aid with them with that process.
There needs to be a focus and concentration on existing shops to get them thriving before embarking
on new projects. A potential use of empty premises for pop-up shops. A potential role for the Town
Council to lease shops was suggested if this was financially viable. Any plans for the extension of
retail in Sherborne should be future proofed and able to keep pace with the current rapidly changing
times in retail.
There is potential to make Sherborne a ‘themed’ speciality/specialist town, where there is a specific
attraction such as an arts theme. The introduction of new restaurants, bars and clubs that remain
open in the evening to encourage night life in Sherborne was deemed important by Members. This
would help to involve the younger element of the population and encourage those who live in and
out of the town to make more use of Sherborne and its venues.
It is important that adequate parking provision is made available following any development in the
town. There remains a perception that the availability of parking is a problem in the town and this
could be exacerbated if Sherborne House proceeds to become a centre for the arts and attracts more
visitors to the town.
The Chamber of Trade and Commerce are keen to encourage easy and affordable parking in the town
to encourage shoppers. Some members felt that cars were not necessary in the town and people
should be encouraged to bus or cycle to shops, noting the bus provision has been drastically cut back
in recent years.
Opportunities for new bus routes and new provision should be considered as Members felt there was
a demand for a bus service to the proposed new development to the West of the town. Members
noted that Sherborne is keen to encourage tourists and visitors, so cars and car parks are an inevitable
and a necessary consequence of that. Park and Rides could be considered situated at locations to
include the Terrace Playing Fields, situated on the outskirts of the town. Also, the need for a bus
services to other County towns, especially Shaftesbury, where the nearest MIU is situated at the
present time and for bus times to coordinate with train times.
Members discussed the potential to remove the pavements in Cheap Street to maintain an even
surface, although still used for vehicles at certain hours to enable deliveries to business premises. The possibility of making Long Street, Half Moon Street and South Street partially pedestrianised
similar to that of Cheap Street which is presently between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm. The potential for
the introduction of 20mph zones and additional one-way streets within the town should also be
welcomed by Members to improve pedestrian safety.
Members felt the DLP was lacking in detail about green energy. Members suggested that every new
house has one South or West facing roof to facilitate solar panels. To consider relaxing or loosening
the current planning laws on the use of solar panels in Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings.
To encourage offshore wind turbines. To encourage bio-diversity elements in all new developments
with the inclusion of bird boxes and similar. Ensure all developments have a comprehensive
landscape and visual impact assessment.
All new developments must have sustainable drainage systems. Members supported a suggestion
that gardens should be at least the same footprint as a ground floor property. Ensure good broadband
connections across all areas as this will assist with home working and therefore discourage
unnecessary travel and pollution.
To consider electrification of the local train network reducing the use of diesel engines.
Encourage development to the standard of the statement in paragraph 149 of the National Planning
Policy Framework (NPPF) which reads: ‘Plans should take a proactive approach to mitigating and
adapting to climate change, considering the long-term implications for flood risk, coastal change,
water supply, biodiversity and landscapes, and the risk of overheating from rising temperatures.
Policies should support appropriate measures to ensure the future resilience of communities and
infrastructure to climate change impacts, such as providing space for physical protection measures,
or making provision for the possible future relocation of vulnerable development and infrastructure.’
To support the Climate Change objectives promoted by the Town Council it is suggested that any
new development is eased into the existing by the use of green corridors. A new and sufficient
green corridor could also be introduced alongside existing allotments and run up to the A30, to
promote trees, shrubs and wildlife. In addition, the introduction of green corridors and hedge rows
within the new developments. To encourage tree lined avenues where possible. To discourage the
removal of ancient hedgerows or thickets, but to endeavour to maintain these established spots which
will be full of natural biodiversity. To encourage the use of public footpaths and make them more
accessible, especially in winter when the surface can be muddied and hard to negotiate.
To endeavour to change Building Regulations to reflect the green ethics of the 21st century and
encourage the use of solar energy and heat pumps. To lobby the Government to give tax rebates for
initiating the green grants. The potential removal of chimneys in new homes where they are for
decorative purposes only, as this money could then be spent on energy efficiency savings measures