Chapman Lily Planning were delighted to take part in this mornings Business Leaders meeting organised by Dorset Chamber.
BCP Councillors Drew Mellor and Phillip Broadhead, answered questions from the business community and spoke of BCP’s role as a city region. The new administrations economic priorities are to invest in tidying up the town centres, regeneration and listening to the needs of businesses.
They spoke of ‘massive investment’, emphasising that ‘pace and scale’ will be critical if we are to realise the opportunities that come from the current seismic shifts. BCP’s attractive environment gives us a natural competitive advantage, which we can build upon in a post covid era. Phillip stressed that economic growth is compatible with our outstanding environment and heritage, they are not mutually exclusive.
Brett Spiller, Director at Chapman Lily Planning, noted that ‘Drew and Phillip were praised for their awareness, vision, energy, enthusiasm and leadership. Together with other local planning practices we pushed the case for more resource in planning and a culture change on the front line. They acknowledged the need for the Council to be agile and were looking to build teams, taking officers and communities with them. Questions focussed in on planning, sustainability and the green economy. The need for additional resources in planning was recognised, as well as the need for a culture shift. The need for planning to respond quickly to lasting trends accelerated through covid, was touched upon. For instance, the Council’s approach to protecting hotels will be reviewed and the need for flexibility in town centres will be addressed through a new shopping strategy (coming out shortly).
For more information contact the Dorset Chamber or us.