The Purbeck Society is issuing an urgent call to local residents to review and comment on a revised planning application affecting Swanage.
Application Number P/OUT/2024/03253 is an amended version of a 2024 proposal (link: https://planning.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=406309) While the number of dwellings has been reduced from earlier iterations (93, then 83) to 73, the scheme still raises significant concerns. The current proposal includes 33 apartments and 40 houses, many with very limited garden space, and only 8 designated as “affordable” homes.
The Purbeck Society remains concerned that this falls well below Dorset Council’s policy expectation of 30% affordable housing. We also believe the scale of development represents overdevelopment of a prominent and sensitive site, with likely adverse impacts on access and traffic.
In addition, the proposal exceeds the guideline figure of 45 dwellings set out in the Dorset Local Plan and expected to be reflected in the Swanage Neighbourhood Plan.
Swanage Town Council will hold an Extraordinary Planning Meeting to discuss this application on Thursday 11 June at 6:00pm at the Town Hall. Members of the public are invited to attend and may speak at the beginning of the meeting. The Purbeck Society will be presenting its views.
The deadline for public comments is Monday 15 June. Given the limited time remaining, we strongly encourage residents to review the application and submit their comments—whether in support or objection—as soon as possible.
Further information will follow after the Society’s meeting on Wednesday, but immediate public engagement is essential.
Jessica Sutcliffe Chair