38.1.1 The A357 Shillingstone Bypass was included in the deposit County Structure Plan under Transportation Policy H, as a long term reservation. However, under the adopted plan, the scheme is proposed to be deleted from the Plan. The County Council do not anticipate having funds available to build the road in the foreseeable future.

38.1.2 The bypass was to have followed the route of the former Somerset/Dorset railway line, which is owned by Dorset County Council. It is not under threat from development. It accords with both Structure Plan and Local Plan policy to promote the development of the railway route for "other transport" purposes (ie walking, cycling and horse riding). Investigations are currently being undertaken into the possible use of the former railway line as a "Trailway".

1. Introduction

Previous Plans for the Town

40.1.1 A non-statutory Development Appraisal was produced in 1989 following an extensive consultation exercise. Work on a District Wide Local Plan began in early 1990. A Consultative Draft Plan to 2001 for Stalbridge was published in 1994.

40.1.2 At this stage four different options for the growth of Stalbridge were put forward for discussion. Two of these options (Options 2 and 3) proposed fairly major growth of the town to help fund a by-pass. (Option 2 was based on the proposals of the Stalbridge Development Appraisal). The other two options were based on restricted growth. Option 4 (proposed by the Town Council) suggested more modest road proposals, while Option 1 recommended waiting for the County Council to fund a by-pass from their funds alone.

40.1.3 Analysis of the public’s response showed a clear majority in favour of restrained growth and in addition, the restrictions placed on road building made it unlikely that a by-pass could be adequately funded by the County Council. Consequently, only very modest proposals for new development were contained in the deposit plan to 2001. The revised plan to 2011 takes a similar approach, with Stalbridge classified as a "town for limited growth".

40.1.4 The strategy for Stalbridge also takes into account developments across the County boundary in South Somerset, where several villages along the A357 have already implemented traffic management schemes. Proposals for a major employment allocation on Henstridge Airfield in the Draft South Somerset District Plan have also been considered, and were objected to by this Council on the basis of the approach now adopted in Stalbridge.

Overall Aims for Stalbridge

General Statement of Planning Policy

40.1.5 Stalbridge is a small town situated in the heart of the Blackmore Vale. It has many important historic features including a fine market cross dating from the late 15th Century. The central environs of the town contain a considerable number of traditional limestone built properties which give a pleasing, almost "Cotswold" character to the town. In recognition of this fact, most of Stalbridge has been designated a Conservation Area. New development in the town will be expected to respect its historic character.

40.1.6 The town has a number of shops and community facilities which serve its own population and that of surrounding villages. Residents look to other towns for secondary education, additional sports facilities etc. In the future, links with Sturminster Newton may be strengthened through the development of some joint community facilities where costs rule out provision in both small towns.

40.1.7 Stalbridge suffers from the intrusion of traffic, particularly heavy goods vehicles which traverse the town centre on the A357. A by pass was planned for the A357 through Stalbridge, and two possible lines were indicated in the Stalbridge Development Appraisal in 1989. However, the proposed road has now been deleted from not only this plan, but also the County Structure Plan which looks at the period up to 2011.

40.1.8 The town already suffers from serious problems of congestion on an inadequate highway network. Traffic management measures are therefore proposed to calm traffic moving through the town. Any proposals outside the District which may add significantly to traffic levels on the A357 through Stalbridge, will be opposed.

40.1.9 In view of the inadequacies of the local highway network, Stalbridge is defined in the Local Plan Strategy as a town for "limited growth" only and developments defined as ‘major’ will not be permitted.

40.1.10 The following policy sets out the framework for the town’s future development.

2. The Environment

40.2.1 Stalbridge lies on the edge of the limestone ridge, overlooking the Blackmore Vale. There are fine views out from the west of the town which stands on rising ground. Tree cover is important to the setting of this part of the town. To the south and east, the land is flatter, as the town spreads onto the clay vale.

The Conservation Area

40.2.2 In recognition of its special architectural and historic qualities, much of the town and grounds of Stalbridge Park to the north west were designated a Conservation Area in 1976. There are also many fine ‘Listed Buildings’ in the town as well as the Market Cross which is a scheduled Ancient Monument.

40.2.3 To assist in the implementation of development control and enhancement schemes, the overall Conservation Area has been divided into the following environmental zones:

(i) The Town Centre

40.2.4 This encompasses the main historic core of the town, from the Church of St. Mary in the north, to the Methodist Chapel and 17th century cottages opposite, in the south. The area is characterised by close knit development in a wide range of traditional styles and materials.

40.2.5 Any new development/extensions etc. should pay due regard to the local vernacular style. Views out to the countryside beyond (from the High Street for instance) offer a contrast to the tightly enclosed environment of the narrow streets. Gaps between buildings will thus need careful protection, to maintain these views.

40.2.6 The 15th century Market Cross which abuts the A357 by the Old Rectory is a major feature of the town centre. It is currently protected from vehicle damage by heavy wooden bollards, however if in the future, traffic management measures are introduced in the town, it may be possible to ‘soften’ the treatment of the Market Cross and other parts of the High Street and Church Hill by use of different surface treatment and pavement widening.

(ii) The Southern Approaches (The Estate Cottages)

40.2.7 This area lies to the south of the town centre but is of a looser, more open character. It encompasses two groups of estate cottages, the listed Anglesey Cottages fronting Lower Road and Westminster Cottages and Buildings off Thornhill Road. The green at the junction of Lower Road and Thornhill Road provides an attractive open space. This contrasts with the more enclosed atmosphere which arises as the roads merge into one in Ring Street.

40.2.8 The relatively open, but clearly defined pattern of semi-detached properties in fairly large gardens in this area, should be respected. Infilling or backland development would harm the character of this area and should be avoided. The former pound fronting Ring Street has been designated an Important Open/Wooded Area.

(iii) The Town’s Setting

40.2.9 The Conservation Area, contains large open areas to the north, east and west of the town which contribute to the setting of the historic core.

40.2.10 To the north and north-west are the grounds of Stalbridge Park. The site of the main house (destroyed by fire in 1822) as well as the grounds, which once supported a deer park, are recognised as sites of "Archaeological Importance". Great lengths of the stone walls around the Park still exist. They contribute greatly to the character of this part of the Conservation Area and are important, not only for their historic and scenic qualities, but also for their nature conservation interest. The walls along Church Walk support the rare polypody fern as well as other species. It is essential therefore, that development is restricted in this area and that the maintenance of the Park walls should be of high priority.

40.2.11 To the west of the town centre is an area of open, rising ground backing on to the development at Grosvenor Road. This forms an important green backdrop to the town.

40.2.12 To the east of the town centre, the land drops away offering views out across the Blackmore Vale. Land south of the primary school (fronting Station Road) has consent for development, however the foreground of the high stone wall on the western boundary is to be protected. Open spaces to the north of this site should also be protected from development so ensuring that important views are maintained.

3. Housing

Dwelling Unit Allocation

40.3.1 Policy 2.3 allocates about 170 dwellings to the town to be built between 1994 and 2011. This amounts to a construction rate of about 10 dwellings per annum. Since the start of the Plan period a considerable amount of development has taken place or is committed through planning permission. Table 40.1 below gives a breakdown of Stalbridge’s housing allocation at 31.03.01.

*Figures adjusted to allow for likely take up.

40.3.2 Government policy encourages Local Planning Authorities to manage the release of housing land with the aim of securing the development of previously developed (brownfield) sites before the greenfield land. To this end, the Plan period has been divided into three phases of development and sites allocated accordingly.

40.3.3 Table 40.2 below gives a breakdown of the anticipated level of development in each phase and the expected proportion of brownfield development within Stalbridge. During the first phase, a slightly higher rate of development occurred than had been anticipated, due to the take up of outstanding commitments. This is likely to continue into the early years of Phase 2 while the sites off Station Road and Lower Road are built out. Thereafter, development rates are likely to slow considerably. Around 39% of the total is expected to come forward on brownfield sites at an average annual rate of about 4 dwellings per annum.

40.3.4 Targets for affordable housing are set out in Policy 2.4. These may be varied in the light of the results of any future Housing Needs Survey undertaken during the Plan period. Any variations will be published for consultation in the form of Supplementary Planning Guidance.

*This figure represents a 7.6% over-supply on the original planned total of 170 and should not be seen as the base figure for dwelling supply in the town.

Sites allocated for Development

40.3.5 Policy 2.4 allocates the following sites (of 5 or more dwellings) for development in the Plan period up to 2011:

(i) Site C Land rear of Dikes Supermarket (10 dwellings)

40.3.6 The development of Site C is subject to the agreement over highway improvements at the junction of Barrow Hill and the High Street. A traffic management scheme is being discussed and should be implemented shortly. Subject to this going ahead, Site C could be released during Phase 2.

40.3.7 The following requirements should be met through the development of this land:

• The development of this site should not proceed until the traffic implications of both this and the proposed development at "Barrowlea", Barrow Hill on the Barrow Hill/High Street junction are clear, and agreement has been reached on the funding of any necessary improvements. (The "Barrowlea" development has outstanding permission, subject to a legal obligation to fund improvements to the Barrow Hill/High Street junction).
• The density of development should be limited by the capacity of the Barrow Hill/High Street junction. Even when improved, the Barrow Hill/High Street junction may impose limitations on the amount of development that can be achieved on this site.
• Financial contributions towards infrastructure and community facilities which are proposed in this Plan or are shown to be needed in the town or locality, may also be sought from the developer. Any contributions sought should be fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the proposed development.

• Affordable or low cost market housing may not be achievable on this site in view of the limitations on density imposed by the Barrow Hill/High Street junction. A contribution towards an alternative site in the town may be sought, subject to local need.

Future Population

40.3.8 From the 1991 Census, the resident population of the Town Plan area is estimated to be 2,074 Average household size throughout the County has been declining for many years, and is likely to continue to do so in the future. Projections produced by the County, (based on the proposals of the deposit Structure Plan) indicate that average household size in North Dorset is likely to decline by 0.15 persons per household between 1991 and 2011. In 1991 the average household size in the Parish of Stalbridge was 2.55. Making allowance for the decline in household size and assuming that the scale of development identified in Policy 2.3 is fully taken up, this could result in a population of some 2410 by 2011.

4. Employment and Shopping

Employment

40.4.1 In view of the problems caused by heavy goods vehicles traversing the narrow streets through Stalbridge, it is considered necessary to restrict future employment uses to development or re-development within the existing areas only, simply to allow for the expansion and development of local businesses. Thus no major new employment allocations are made in this Plan.

40.4.2 There are two existing employment areas in Stalbridge Parish. The Station Road area lies within the town, while the Gibbs Marsh Trading Estate lies some two miles to the north-east, abutting the larger Henstridge Airfield industrial estate in Somerset. (The Gibbs Marsh estate is covered by Plan No 41).

40.4.3 Developments within the Station Road employment area will be subject to the general Employment Policies set out in Part 1 of this Plan. A new development of workshop units funded by the District Council and Rural Development Commission has recently been completed here. Another 0.5 Ha of land remains available for development. This should help cater for local needs during the plan period. There are also many small employment uses dotted around the town, which help towards the local economy. Stalbridge lies within the Rural Priority Area, and as opportunity arises, further funds may be directed to the town to help promote its economy.

Shopping

40.4.4 Although not as large as the other shopping centres in the towns of North Dorset, Stalbridge offers a good range of retail and commercial services which should be protected. Policy 3.18 in the Economy chapter of this Plan which relates specifically to Stalbridge and Marnhull, aims to do this by discouraging the change of use of existing retail and service outlets.

40.4.5 Stalbridge has one supermarket, ‘Dikes’ of Ring Street (approx. 350m² net retail floorspace). This caters primarily for the town’s population although shoppers from Henstridge, Marnhull and Stourton Caundle also use the store. Whilst providing an important local service ‘Dikes’ suffers from a poor vehicular access off Ring Street and a sloping site which makes it difficult to extend the premises. However, the more recently created access off Barrow Hill provides smaller service vehicles easier access to the rear of the premises. If the store is to expand or reorganise its operation in the future, improvements to ease the movement of the vehicles to and from the premises will be sought as part of the development.

5. Community Services and Recreation

40.5.1 In view of the restraints on the future growth of Stalbridge, it is not envisaged that there will be significant demand in the town for major new community facilities. It is anticipated that the town may co-operate with Sturminster Newton on the provision of any major new facilities required in the future. For instance, the Sturminster Newton Sports Centre, which has now been built in Sturminster, will help meet the needs of both towns and the wider rural area. Financial contributions towards this facility may therefore be sought from new developments in Stalbridge. (See Policy 4.7 in the Community Facilities chapter).

40.5.2 Several problems with existing facilities became apparent during earlier public consultation and are discussed below:

St. Mary’s C.E. Primary School

40.5.3 St. Mary’s C.E. Primary School, which became ‘Grant Maintained’ on April 1st 1995, caters for children aged 5-11. Secondary schooling is provided at Sturminster Newton.

40.5.4 The Primary school is accessed via a cul-de-sac (Duck Lane), which has a poor junction with the High Street and where there is minimal space for parents to collect or drop off children by car. This has created conflict with people living in Duck Street. Increasing the pupil intake will only exacerbate this problem, and it should therefore be addressed if an application is made for additional permanent classroom(s). Some additional land may need to be acquired by the school to help resolve this situation. If this is so, financial contributions may be sought from new residential developments which add to the pressure for improved facilities at the school. Alternatively, in line with the approach being adopted by the Local Agenda 21 group who are active in the town, it may be possible to encourage more children to walk or cycle to school, so easing the congestion in Duck Lane.

Outdoor Recreation

40.5.5 During the preparation of this Plan it has become evident that there are difficulties with the use of the existing recreation ground at Stalbridge Park. It is shared by several different sports clubs, and there are problems with overlapping pitches and inadequate space for youth teams.

40.5.6 The Town Council has now acquired additional land adjacent to the recreation ground on which to expand sports facilities.

Footpaths

40.5.7 The lack of a direct footpath link between the Jarvis Way area and the town centre means that pedestrians have to take a long detour via Station Road or Lower Road to reach the shops. Outline planning approval has been granted in the past for residential development of land at the rear of Laburnham House, Ring Street and to the south of the Station Road Car Park. The opportunity to provide a footpath link from Robinson Heights to either Ring Street or Station Road will be sought through future negotiations on these development sites.

6. Transportation

40.6.1 The guiding policies on highways and transportation are found within the general policies contained in Chapter 5 of the Plan. These guiding policies relate to cyclists, pedestrians, traffic management, heavy goods vehicles, environment and landscape, public transport, parking facilities and servicing. It also includes the definition of the road hierarchy for North Dorset.

40.6.2 Chapter 5 contains details of the ‘Local Plan Road Improvement Programme’ and the major highway schemes which are proposed for the period up to 2011. This section contains specific highway and transportation schemes for Stalbridge.

Road Hierarchy

40.6.3 The 2011 road hierarchy for Stalbridge as defined in Chapter 5 is shown in Figure 10.

Major Road Schemes

40.6.4 The limitations placed on the County Highways spending budget and comparisons with other heavily trafficked roads in the County means that the Highway Authority will not be able to fund a Stalbridge By-pass within the period to 2011. Additionally, in view of the constrained growth that is proposed for the town there is no likelihood of development contributions bringing this scheme forward before 2011. This Plan does not therefore contain a proposal to progress this scheme.

Development

40.6.5 Only a limited level of growth is proposed for Stalbridge. Development that has taken place in recent years has been tied to the provision of traffic management and environmental improvements. It is recognised that whilst these measures may reduce the speed of traffic and give rise to short term environmental improvements, they will not provide any traffic relief as traffic volumes through the town will continue to rise.

40.6.6 However, in view of the impracticality of providing a by-pass for the town, future development that would generate more traffic on the presently substandard highway network and further degrade the environment will be resisted.

Provision for Cyclists

40.6.7 In order to improve facilities for both recreational and general cycling use, opportunities to open the redundant railway line to cyclists, (both to the north and south of Stalbridge) and to improve links both within the town and between Stalbridge and Sturminster Newton for cycle use, will be promoted. (See Policies 4.10 and 4.11 in Chapter 4 of the Plan.).

43.1.1 The village is without mains drainage, and on the local heavy clay soils there have been problems of effluent pollution as septic tanks, with a few exceptions, do not operate satisfactorily

43.1.2 The main road crossroads (B3092) are currently sub-standard and there are turning movement conflicts. Policy 5.31 in the transportation chapter relates to the proposed traffic management improvements at this junction.

44.1.1 The village is without mains drainage, and on the local heavy clay soils there have been problems of effluent pollution as septic tanks, with a few exceptions, do not operate satisfactorily

45.1.1 Local Planning Authorities are required to obtain specialist advice concerning some types of development, or development in particular areas. Under the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995, the waste regulation authority (Dorset County Council) must be consulted on applications for development which are within 250m of land which has been used for the deposit of refuse or waste. Further guidance on the type of development to be referred is contained within Planning Policy Guidance Note 23, Planning and Pollution Control. In view of the topography of the area a wider zone around the former waste disposal site is shown in which consultations will take place.

1. Introduction

Previous Plans for the Town

47.1.1 A statutory Town Plan was prepared during the 1980s and early 1990s. The various stages reached during the preparation programme were as follows;

47.1.2 The Town Local Plan however was not formally adopted because significant objections were made at the Modifications stage to new proposals for the Livestock Market site and the relief road. Rather than hold a further Public Inquiry it was decided to proceed by re-formulating the old Local Plan into this District Wide Local Plan.

47.1.3 This Plan Inset is based primarily on the previous Local Plan.

Overall Aims for Sturminster Newton

General Statement of Planning Policy

47.1.4 Sturminster Newton is the most centrally sited of the five towns in North Dorset. The two main parts of the town are situated either side of the River Stour and are linked by a fine medieval six-arched bridge.

47.1.5 Both settlements of "Sturminster" and "Newton" are of historic and architectural interest, and are contained within a Conservation Area. Most recent developments have been to the north of the town centre, spreading out between Bath Road and Manston Road.

47.1.6 Sturminster Newton suffers from the intrusion of traffic, particularly heavy goods vehicles which traverse the historic town centre Conservation Area on the B3091 and the B3092. The B3092 is a particularly tortuous road, very narrow in places and has limited pedestrian footways. There are also a considerable number of residential, retail and commercial properties in close proximity to the road, many of them of "listed" status. The Plan proposes new development in the town of around 640 new dwellings which will increase the existing dwelling stock by about 50%. Traffic generated from these new homes will exacerbate the problems in the town. Environmental and traffic management measures will therefore be pursued in the historic town centre, where the constrained highway, although having a partial ‘calming’ effect on traffic, places an unnecessary risk upon pedestrians and property.

47.1.7 Sturminster Newton acts as the main centre for shopping, business and community life in the Sturminster Newton/Marnhull and Stalbridge areas and this role is endorsed in the overall Local Plan Strategy.

47.1.8 The recent closure of the livestock market, which had been in existence for over 700 years, has been a major blow for the town. The market provided an economic and social focus which will be very hard to replace, but which the policies of this Plan must address.

47.1.9 In view of the inadequacies of the local highway network, Sturminster Newton is defined in the Local Plan Strategy as a town for "moderate" growth only and developments defined as "major" will only be permitted in a limited number of cases. It will also be important to introduce additional traffic management measures along the B3091 and B3092 which should be co-ordinated with the growth of the town.

47.1.10 In order to allow for the expansion of the town, additional provision of community infrastructure is required. Developers may be asked to contribute financially towards this provision, to enable development to proceed in accordance with advice currently contained in Circular 1/97 Planning Obligations. Additional information is given in Chapter 4 of the Local Plan and in a Planning Advice Note. Costs of improvements which are required to meet the needs of the present population should be borne by the existing managing authorities.

2. The Environment

Environmental Capacity of the Town

47.2.1 Looking ahead to the end of the Plan period the Local Authority has begun considering the environmental constraints on the eventual spread of development at Sturminster Newton.

47.2.2 These constraints are closely linked to the aim of promoting sustainable development and are sometimes described as being the "environmental capacity" of the development of a settlement. These constraints should not be seen as absolute for long term planning. However they should be seen as a monitoring device so that if there is a requirement to expand a settlement significantly in the future, it may be done in a way which will minimise environmental impact, reduce the reliance on the motor car and bring social and economic benefits, particularly to town centre, community and retail facilities.

47.2.3 In considering proposals for future expansion in Sturminster the following factors will be borne in mind;

• The capacity of the highway network through the town to accommodate any further growth.
• The availability of sufficient land in or close to the town centre which will allow for expansion of retailing and community facilities to serve an increase in population.
• A distance beyond which people are not likely to walk or cycle into the town (assessed to be approximately 1.6 km (1 mile), equivalent to a 20/30 minute walk). Thus the use of the motor car is likely to be increased when housing or employment developments are situated beyond this distance.
• The availability of employment development land within walking distance of residential areas.
• The ability of the local road network to prove attractive for the operation of a regular frequency bus link to the town centre.
• The topographical constraints which exist (e.g. small gaps with outlying settlements, hill slopes, river valleys etc) which tend to signify a natural limit to development.

47.2.4 In the case of Sturminster Newton, the potential for future growth is severely restricted by the inadequacies of the existing road network through the town. In view of current public sector spending restrictions, the "Relief Road" once planned for the B3091/2 is no longer included in the County Structure Plan. It is therefore unlikely that the town will be able to sustain more development in the future unless traffic growth can be curtailed or the highway network improved.

The Conservation Area

47.2.5 In recognition of its special architectural and historic qualities, the Town Centre and Newton Village and the River Stour Meadows were designated a Conservation Area in 1976. In order to control development more effectively and to aid the implementation of enhancement schemes, the overall Conservation Area has been divided into the following environmental sub-areas.

(i) The Town Centre

47.2.6 Historic development has centred around the Market Place and to a lesser extent, St. Mary’s Church, situated to the south-east overlooking the Stour. A wide range of traditional styles and materials have been used in the buildings which adds considerably to the character of the area. The Market Place and Cross, Church Street and Church Lane have a tight-knit enclosed appearance. To the west and east are the more loosely knit residential areas of West End and Gotts Corner with several properties still retaining large garden plots.

(ii) The Market Place Environs

47.2.7 An enhancement scheme has recently been introduced in the Church Street Car Park "Square", improving the environment and safety for pedestrians. Discussions are still taking place over a potential scheme for the Market Place. If improvements are carried out here it will be particularly important to retain the Street Market. Improvements to the shopping area at the western end of Station Road will be carried out in conjunction with the construction of the new Station Road to Bath Road link (See Policy SN8). Details of any enhancement schemes will be published and made available for public consultation prior to implementation.

(iii) The River Stour

47.2.8 The River Stour and its meadows form a central green "spinal cord" running between "Sturminster" and "Newton" and are an essential ingredient in the composition of the town’s character. Sturminster Mill which straddles the river to the west of The Bridge, acts a focal point in views of the area. The Mill is now operated by The Mill and Museum Society and is a well-known tourist attraction, open in the summer months. A car park and amenity area provided by the District Council to the east of the Bridge also increase the opportunity for public access to this area, and serve as an educational resource.

47.2.9 This part of the town has strong historic literary connections; Thomas Hardy lived at "Riverside" from 1876-78 and wrote "The Return of the Native" here. The Dorset poet Robert Young (Rabin Hill) also lived nearby. He was a friend of fellow poet William Barnes, who worked in the town for some years as a solicitor’s clerk.

(iv) Newton Village and The Bridge

47.2.10 Newton Village retains several stone rendered half-timbered and thatched cottages which are amongst the oldest in the town.

47.2.11 Dominating "The Bridge" area is Sturminster Newton Castle "Promontory". The grounds of this fortified Manor House, now in ruins, are a scheduled Ancient Monument. Land either side is protected as an "Important Open and Wooded Area" gap between the two tightly-knit developed areas of Newton to the west and The Bridge to the east. Major works of repair are now required for the Castle.

3. Housing

Dwelling Unit Allocation

47.3.1 Policy 2.3 allocates about 640 dwellings to the town to be built between 1994 and 2011. This amounts to a construction rate of 38 dwellings per annum. Since the start of the Plan period a considerable amount of development has taken place or is committed through planning permission. Table 47.1 below gives a breakdown of Sturminster’s housing allocation at 31.03.01. The granting of permission for 180 dwellings on the site between Honeymead Lane and Manston Road, (30 more than originally planned) helps to explain the potential over-supply of 50 dwellings.

*Figures adjusted to allow for likely take up.

47.3.2 Government policy encourages Local Planning Authorities to manage the release of housing land with the aim of securing the development of previously developed (brownfield) sites before the development of greenfield land. 47.3.3 Table 47.2 below gives a breakdown of the anticipated level of development in each phase and the expected proportion of brownfield development in Sturminster. During Phase 1 a slightly lower rate of development occurred than had been anticipated. However development rates have picked up now that the large site between Honeymead Lane and Manston Road is under construction. Brownfield development occurred at the anticipated rate during Phase 1. The development of the former Livestock Market site in the centre of the town will help contribute to the brownfield target.

47.3.3 Targets for affordable housing are set out in Policy 2.4. These may be varied in the light of the results of any future Housing Needs Survey undertaken during the Plan period. Any variations will be published for consultation in the form of Supplementary Planning Guidance.

*This figure represents a 7.8% over-supply on the original planned total of 640 and should not be seen as the base figure for dwelling supply in the town.

Sites allocated for Development

47.3.5 Policy 2.4 allocates the following sites (of 5 or more dwellings) for development in the Plan period up to 2011:

(i) Site C Land North of the Livestock Market (90 dwellings)

(ii) Site D Land at Honeymead (45 dwellings)

47.3.6 A requirement of both Sites C and D is that the Honeymead Lane – Manston Road link must be in place before development commences. The former livestock market site is a major brownfield site in the town on which mixed use development is proposed in order to help re-vitalise the town centre. It is necessary to phase the release of the two remaining allocated sites so that development of the market is not impeded. Site C, being closer to the town centre is expected to be developed during Phase 2 while Site D is proposed to follow on in Phase 3. However the release of Site D is also tied up with the development of the Butts Pond Fields for amenity purposes. If it proves necessary to release Site D during Phase 2, Site C (which is in the same ownership) should be re-assigned to Phase 3.

Site C (H/47/2)
Land to the north of the Livestock Market.

(Total Site Area: 4.8 Ha: Residential Development Area: 3.5 Ha. Potential dwellings: 90)

47.3.7 The following requirements should be met through the development of this site:

• The land should not be released until the Honeymead Lane - Manston Road link road required under PI. Ap. 2/97/390 (54) has been completed.

• Access via Rabin Hill/Badgers Way, subject to a traffic assessment of the impact of the development on the junction of Bath Road/Rabin Hill. (Rabin Hill is steep and relatively narrow and the effect of additional traffic on the junction needs to be assessed even though the Honeymead Lane link will help redistribute traffic.)

• Provision to be made for the accommodation or relocation of badgers currently evident on site. Discussions to be held with Dorset Badger Group and English Nature.
• Retention of the hedgerows together with associated land within the site to be used as part of an amenity corridor for pedestrian access.
• Provision of a substantial landscaping/buffer zone to the east of the site, to incorporate cycleway/footway provision. This will help to ameliorate the effects of the adjacent industrial estate, as well as provide alternative links with the town centre, from the residential areas to the north. Cycleway/footway links to the west (Bath Road) and south (Livestock Market site/Station Road) will be required.
•  Provision of childrens’ play areas and amenity open space in accordance with Policy 4.8.
• Provision of a proportion of the development as affordable homes (possibly specialised housing for elderly/single people due to proximity to town centre.) (See Policies 2.4 and 2.13), and mobility standard dwellings (Policy 1.8).
• Contributions may be sought for the following facilities: Extension of William Barnes Primary School, (Policy 4.2). Informal recreation on land at Butts Pond (Policy SN9), cycleways within the town (Policy SN10), Environmental enhancement of the town centre (Policies SN2 & SN11). See also paragraph 47.1.10.
• This site is scheduled to be developed in Phase 2 of the Plan period, however, if development of Site D (land at Honeymead) is approved in Phase 2, development of Site C should not be considered until Phase 3 (post 2006).

Site D. (H/47/3)
Land at Honeymead.

(Area: 1.5 Ha. Potential dwellings: 45)

47.3.8 The following requirements should be met through the development of this land

• Provision of vehicular access off the Honeymead Lane - Manston Road extension, via the south-east corner of the site. (To avoid disruption to the "green lane".)
• Provision of a substantial, landscaped buffer zone adjacent to the "green lane", to protect it from development.
• Provision of east - west footpath cycleway links through the site, to give access to the site of the proposed Sports Centre. (Policy SN10).
• Provision of a proportion of the development as affordable homes (Policies 2.4 and 2.13).
• Provision of childrens’ play areas and amenity open space in accordance with Policy 4.8.
• Contributions may be sought for the following facilities: Extension of William Barnes Primary School (Policy 4.2); Informal recreation on land at Butts Pond (Policy SN9); Cycleways within the town (Policy SN10); Environmental enhancement of the town centre (Policies SN3 & SN11). See also paragraph 47.1.10.

Future Population

47.3.9 From the 1991 Census resident population of the Town Plan area was estimated to be 2,455. Average household size throughout the County has been declining for many years, and is likely to continue to do so in the future. Projections produced by the County, (based on the proposals of the Deposit Structure Plan) indicate that average household size in North Dorset is likely to decline by 0.15 persons per household between 1991 and 2011. In 1991 the average household size in the Parish of Sturminster Newton was 2.25. Making allowance for the decline in household size and assuming that the scale of development identified in Policy 2.3 is fully taken up, this could result in a Plan Area population of some 3,720 by 2011.

4. Employment and Shopping

47.4.1 Existing Employment Areas (Policies 3.1- 3.4)

Rolls Mill Business Park

47.4.2 As Butts Pond Industrial Estate is virtually complete, this new business Park is now required to cater for demand up to 2011. The following policies set out important conditions that will need to be met by any application for full planning permission or for the approval of reserved matters relating to the land.

The Creamery

47.4.3 The settlement boundary around The Creamery lies on two Inset Plans (47 and 47A). The boundary is not contiguous and so the status of the field immediately to the east of the Creamery is unclear. It has not been possible to resolve this issue before adoption of the Plan, however the Council will undertake to review this issue.

The Livestock Market

47.4.4 On 30th June 1997, the Livestock Market which had operated in the town for over 700 years, closed. The remaining market stalls closed at the end of December. The owners of the site are known to wish to redevelop for alternative uses.

47.4.5 The closure of the market coincided with the publication of the Consultative Draft Local Plan. The District Council also published a draft Development Brief for the Livestock Market site and made both documents widely available for an extended public consultation period from July to the end of October 1997.

47.4.6 In drawing up proposals for the livestock market site, the District Council has also drawn on the conclusions of several different surveys and consultation exercises undertaken in the town. In particular, the Sturminster Newton Action Group (SNAG), Sturminster Newton 2000 and Beyond and Dorset Ecology Centre’s concerns about the site have been taken into consideration. The District Council also commissioned an independent report into the future viability of marketing in the District, and in Sturminster Newton in particular, the conclusions of which have also been taken into consideration.

47.4.7 Several common features have been drawn from the results of consultations undertaken by the different interest groups:

• Concern that the site should still provide an economic focus for the town in the way that the livestock market did in the past.
• Concern that any new development should reinforce the existing historic town centre by linking to it, not creating a separate focal point.
• Concern that the site should provide for a mixture of uses which complement those currently existing in the town.
• Concern to retain some form of marketing/auction facility on the site, to draw people back to the town and respect the history of the site.
• Opposition to any wholesale development for residential purposes, due to the availability of other sites in the town.
• Concern that if part of the site is to be developed as a supermarket, this should provide a better quality service than exists at present, and that it should not increase the total amount of supermarket floorspace in the town to such an extent as to detract from town centre shops.
• Concern to use the opportunity for redevelopment to benefit community facilities in the town (e.g. to provide a better community hall).
• Concern to achieve a high quality development, with opportunities for public access through the site, and with plentiful landscaping/open space provision.

47.4.8 Two other factors should be considered:

a) The viability of re-establishing a livestock market on the site.

47.4.9 Despite "overwhelming support" from the SNAG surveys for the re-introduction of a livestock market in the town, the independent survey commissioned by the District Council into the viability of livestock marketing in the District, concluded that it would be impracticable to try and refurbish on the existing site. The report recommended that "the establishment of a new market on a greenfield site would be the best means of securing the future needs of the agricultural sector".

47.4.10 Whilst the District Council does not rule out the possibility that livestock marketing might return to Sturminster, the Local Plan should also make provision for the development of a new greenfield site. A separate policy to this effect is included in the "Employment" chapter of the Plan.

b) The Bath Road - Station Road link

47.4.11 A new link road across the site to join Bath Road and Station Road with a new signal controlled junction on Bath Road should be constructed as part of the development. This is needed to serve the development since trip making from the development of the whole site will cause significant difficulties at the junction of Bath Road and Station Road and through the "Narrows". As the construction of the new access road is solely to facilitate development, 100% of funding costs will need to be met by the developer. The basis of this requirement is contained within a Traffic Impact Assessment undertaken by Dorset Engineering Consultancy in December 1998 to assess the impact on the adjoining network of proposals put forward by Dayeh Commercial Projects for the site.

47.4.12 A road link should enable:

• Appropriate standard of junctions to accommodate the additional traffic generated by the development,
• Safe pedestrian crossing facilities to allow access to the town centre.
• Satisfactory conditions for pedestrians in the Market Place, by ensuring that traffic will not queue back from the new junction into the Narrows.

47.4.13 The road should be designed to a width of about 6.7m. Traffic lights will be required at the junction with Bath Road, with a second access to the Market site off Station Road. The new road should also make provision for access to Reddleman House. Details should be discussed with Dorset County Council as the local highway authority.

47.4.14 Bearing in mind the common concerns identified above, it is proposed that the site should be developed with a mixture of land uses. As such, proposals for wholesale development of any single or dual uses will not be acceptable. Any redevelopment proposals should encompass the whole site. It should not be dealt with in a piecemeal fashion.

47.4.15 The following land uses will be acceptable on the site:

• Facilities, including some covered space, to accommodate market stalls and/or auction activities.
• Retail uses, (Classes A1-A3 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987). (This may include a supermarket as well as smaller retail outlets. Proposals including a supermarket should be accompanied by retail and traffic impact surveys. Further details will be given in the revised Development Brief).
• Business use, subject to a restriction to ‘B1’ uses, (acceptable within a residential area) only.
• Community uses - for instance a community hall, museum and/or information/visitor centre. (The existing community hall off Brinsley Close is in urgent need of refurbishment which may have to proceed in advance of the development of the market site. However replacement on the market site would provide a better location for the hall and offer the opportunity for redevelopment of the existing site for residential purposes).
• Residential use. In view of the strong local reaction against residential development on this site and the availability of other sites in the town, only a limited amount is proposed (i.e. 25 dwellings or 0.75 Ha). This should include provision for affordable housing (Policy 2.13) subject to local need.
• Associated car/cycle parking and provision for public transport to serve the site.
• Public open space/footpath/cycleway network to link north-south through the site to the Railway Gardens/Station Road area.

(Further details on matters such as infrastructure and services required on the site are given in the Development Brief.)

Shopping

47.4.16 Sturminster Newton provides a variety of shops and services which serve a wide rural hinterland as well as the town’s own population. Policies 3.15-3.17 of the Economy chapter provide guidance on the form of new shopping developments and changes of use within the town centre, which will be acceptable.

5. Community Services and Recreation

Recreation and Sports

47.5.1 Recently a new football pitch has been constructed for the town football club, on land adjacent to The High School playing field. This pitch, together with the continued use of the nearby (privately owned) Hinton St. Mary sports field, means that outdoor sports pitch provision should be adequate to meet current needs.

47.5.2 The two paddocks between Hinton View and Rivers Mead are allocated for informal recreation use. They provide habitats for the great crested newt and badgers (both of which are protected species). Measures will be taken to protect the habitats but the fields may also be used for educational and informal recreation purposes. Footpath/cycleway links through the site are required to provide a safe route from the residential areas to the north towards the town centre.

Indoor Sports Hall

47.5.3 Indoor sports and leisure facilities were generally inadequate for the town and surrounding hinterland, particularly in view of the limited facilities available at the High School for community use. As a result of a proposal in earlier versions of this Plan, a new sports centre has now been built on land to the east of the High School. Although the development is complete. financial contributions may still be sought from any residential developments in Sturminster, Stalbridge and the surrounding catchment area which may add to the need for this development (see Policy 4.7 in the Community Facilities Chapter).

Education
William Barnes Primary School

47.5.4 The William Barnes Primary School is situated off Bridge Street. The site has been extended to allow better access and car parking facilities. It was proposed to relocate the school onto land at the High School, Honeymead Lane but in view of the recent improvements to the existing site a move should not now be necessary. Some further expansion on the existing site will be necessary to cope with the proposed levels of population growth in the town. The County Council is working with the school to decide the best means of achieving this. If the growth of school age population exceeds expectations and the capacity of the site, the County Council has the option of building a new school on land that it owns at the High School. Where new development creates a need for an expansion of the school’s facilities, contributions may be sought from the development. (See Policy 4.2 Land required for Educational Use).

6. Transportation

47.6.1 The guiding policies on highways and transportation are found within the general policies contained in Chapter 5 of the Plan. These guiding policies relate to cyclists, pedestrians, traffic management, heavy goods vehicles, environment and landscape, public transport, parking facilities and servicing. It also includes the definition of the road hierarchy for North Dorset.

47.6.2 Chapter 5 contains details of the ‘Local Plan Road Improvement Programme’ and details the major highway schemes, which are proposed for the period up to 2011. This Chapter contains specific highway and transportation schemes for Sturminster Newton.

Road Hierarchy

47.6.3 The 2011 road hierarchy for Sturminster Newton, as defined in Chapter 5, is shown in Figure 11.

Pedestrians

47.6.4 In order to improve the environment of the town centre, environmental enhancement measures are proposed in The Market Place. These measures will improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists and will be designed in a manner that is consistent with the Conservation Area policies.

Cyclists

47.6.5 The network of minor roads provides satisfactory local routes for cyclists through much of Sturminster Newton. However, problems can occur where pedestrians and cyclists are required to use or to cross heavily trafficked roads. The problems and requirements of pedestrians and cyclists are being considered with the aim of improving facilities and identifying suitable pedestrian and cycle routes.

47.6.6 Measures to encourage cycling by making it safer and more attractive will be carried out. Such measures may include separation of cyclists from other road traffic, shared pedestrian/cycle routes, facilities to cross roads carrying a heavy traffic flow, restrictions on parking, and speed control facilities to slow motorists where separation is impossible.

Major Road Schemes

47.6.7 The limitations placed on the County Highways spending budget and comparisons with other heavily trafficked roads in the County means that the Highway Authority will not be able to fund a B3092 Sturminster Newton Relief Road within the period to 2011. This plan does not therefore contain a proposal for such a scheme.

Development

47.6.8 Redevelopment of the Livestock Market site will allow for the construction of a new link road between the B3092 Bath Road and the B3091 Station Road as outlined in Policy SN8. This will improve road access to the site and to the town centre. Development of land to the north-west of Rixon for residential purposes makes provision for the Honeymead Lane - Manston Road link road, which will help to ease traffic movements in the north of the town.

47.6.9 The new residential development proposed in Sturminster Newton will further exacerbate conditions in the town centre by adding to traffic generation. Traffic management measures are proposed for the town centre.

47.6.10 Details of these medium term environmental and traffic management measures will be subject to further consultation nearer to the date of implementation. It is recognised that whilst these measures may reduce the speed of traffic and give rise to medium term environmental improvement, they will not provide any traffic relief as traffic volumes through the town will continue to increase.

57.1.1 Land south of Broad Close was allocated for residential purposes in the 1988 Village Plan. Due to the site’s proximity to the adjacent sewage biodisc plant, proposed dwellings need to be located fronting Broad Close. i.e. well away from the sewage biodisc plant. An allocation was included in the deposit version of this Plan and has now been developed.

57.1.2 The facility for the playgroup in the village will become unavailable and a request has been made for assistance in finding an alternative site. Two sites have been investigated, land at Broad Close and land at the village recreation field.

59.1.1 The "Lady Bailey" Caravan site has been established for over thirty years on the south-western end of the village. The site has been included within the Village Settlement boundary, as the character of the area has changed from open countryside and is now considered to be "part and parcel" of the village. The site provides a valuable source of low-cost accommodation in the form of mobile homes. The policy of the Local Planning Authority will be to restrict the site to its current use and not to grant planning permission for permanent housing.