You have previously commented on the Core Strategy and wished to be kept informed of the progress of the document. The Core Strategy will contain the broad development planning strategy for the area until the year 2028.

I am writing to advise you of two special Committee meetings organised to allow the public and community groups to address elected councillors on the subject of the Core Strategy Pre-Submission Document. The agenda for the meetings will be available from 17^th January 2012 and will give the detail upon which the Councils will be consulting. It is anticipated, however, that you or other community representatives may wish to comment on issues under the following headings:

The Airport
Allotments / Open Space
Economy / Employment
Environment
Housing
Proposed New Neighbourhoods (EDDC)/Urban Extension (CBC)
Transport / Infrastructure

The Councillors will not be making decisions at these meetings; the purpose of the meetings is to allow elected members to listen to the views of stakeholders and the community before the Pre Submission Consultation Document is finally approved for public consultation at a Joint Council meeting on 5^th March 2012.

Due to time constraints, speakers will be allocated a 3 minute slot in which to address the meeting and there will be 20 such 3 minute slots at each Committee meeting. It is suggested that representatives with a common issue may wish to combine together in order to make their points more succinctly. We cannot guarantee that everyone who wishes to speak will be able to do so, but we will try to make sure that all of the themes raised are given the opportunity. Slots will not be allocated on a first come-first-served basis but with the aim of being representative of the areas of interest. For the same reason, organisations or individuals may speak at only one meeting.

To enable us to draw up a list of speakers which is representative of the local communities and issues please register your interest to speak by contacting the following members of staff:

Christchurch

Vanessa Ricketts, Democratic Services Officer at Christchurch Council - v.ricketts@christchurch.gov.uk 01202 495141

East Dorset

Sarah Culwick, Committee Services Manager at East Dorset District Council - sculwick@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk 01202 639174

The deadline for requesting a slot in which to speak at Christchurch is noon on Friday^{20th January 2012, and at East Dorset, the deadline is noon on Friday 27th January 2012. Those who have been allocated a slot will be notified on the Monday after each deadline. Those people who are successful in obtaining a slot to speak will be asked to produce a written copy of what they intend to say when they arrive at the meeting. This will also ensure that an accurate record of their comments is included in the minutes of the meeting. Those who are unsuccessful in obtaining a slot will be able to make their views known through the normal 12 week consultation process which follows.}

The Core Strategy Pre Submission document will be ratified for consultation by a Joint Full Council meeting of Christchurch Borough Council and East Dorset District Council on Monday 5^th March 2012 at 6pm at The Village Hotel in Bournemouth. Public speaking will not be allowed at this meeting.

Following this meeting, the Core Strategy Pre Submission Consultation will begin on Monday 2^nd April 2012 running for a period of 12 weeks until Monday 25^th June 2012.

Posted on 01/10/2012