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August 2021 August 2021

We will not have full control NEW HOMES FOR THE OLD SCHOOL SITE
of all of the land for some
months but during this period
monitoring is getting underway
on site to see what wildlife is At the Parish Council Meeting on the 8 July 2021 Dorset Council presented their
th
present. We want to plan for plans for the redevelopment of the former Primary School site.
this site carefully so this gives us
time to monitor wildlife The school has been empty since the end of 2016/early 2017 following the
and collect data to inform the construction of the new school at Southbrook.
development of plans for the The Bere Regis Neighbourhood Plan which was developed in 2019 identified that
site. We want to help nature the former primary school site was suitable for the development of 23 residential
recover in Dorset, enable units.
people to benefit from contact
with nature and experience Given the location of
wilder places and demonstrate how natural systems can help reduce problems the site and it being
such as pollution, flooding and loss of soil carbon. very visible from Rye Hill
the plan also required
There are some rights of way across the land that are open to that any housing
anyone, however, much of the land will still be farmed at this time and there is developed on the site
currently no parking available. During the first year, we will be developing access would be in a style and
plans with a view to opening up more of the site for visitors as we progress. Do of a density that sits well
continue to visit the site by the existing public footpaths and take the opportunity with the village.
to support local businesses in Bere Regis.
Planning policy requires
Over the coming months we will be carrying out site monitoring and consulting that 40% of the units
with residents and local organisations to understand how the site can best benefit created on the site
wildlife and the local community. We also very pleased to be able to support should be affordable.
the allotment holders.
Working with the Council’s external Architects, Thrive, the proposed design and
This is a very exciting initiative for several reasons and one of those is its location, layout take account of the requirements set out in the Neighbourhood Plan and
within walking distance of the vibrant community of Bere Regis. We have already of Dorset Council’s policies in terms of housing mix, affordability and quality of
had a preliminary meeting with members of Bere Regis Parish Council and are
planning to have a village meeting later in the year to talk about our developing design and landscaping.
plans with the community and local organisations. The Council is aiming to build the new homes to a Passivhaus standard in support
of the Council’s Environmental goals and its aim of achieving zero carbon by
We look forward to meeting and working with the residents of Bere Regis and
there will be opportunities for everyone to get involved. We are particularly 2040.
interested to hear from any young people who would like to work with us. The Parish Council on an initial review the scheme asked whether it was possible
to link the site to the pathway in the neighboring field and to include a play area
If you have any queries at the present time, you can contact our DWT Court Farm within the site. The Council’s Architects have been asked to consider and review
project manager: both requests from a design and planning perspective.

Rob Farrington rfarrington@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk The Council’s Property Department, like any other, company or individual that
or Tony Bates DWT trustee and village resident wishes to develop and build houses will need to follow the necessary processes
and procedures to obtain planning approval.
tonybates19@gmail.com
The Council will in the next 4-8 weeks be submitting a pre application to the

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