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February 2021 February 2021

there competing to win the various categories, but as a whole they were there to by the Army and wider MOD, for at least 15 years. In its first ten years the
fulfil their own personal challenges. Could they beat last year’s time or like me, programme aims to create 90 new local jobs and add £4 million to the local
could they hold on to what they got! economy.
The short walk to the ferry Dorset Council and MoD officers would be more than happy to provide a
negotiated, we mingled by the presentation to explain the project in more detail. will arrange for a presentation
quay where the yellow Brownsea to be made to those Parish Councils (and/or other organisations) that are
Island ferry boat was tied up interested in this development.
ready to take us across to the

island. Emile and I decided to sit
on the top deck for the ten Dorset Council Local Plan
minute journey where we could
see craft large and small, sailing in The local plan will form part of the development plan for the Dorset Council area
and out of Poole Harbour- magic! and form the basis for planning decisions. It sets out the strategic approach to
It was in 1907 that Lord Robert managing development and helps deliver the homes and employment
Baden-Powell came and set up opportunities that Dorset needs whilst protecting its environment.
his first campsite on the southern It is produced through an iterative process involving the gathering of evidence
side of the island which was the and public consultation. It normally takes around five years to produce and
forerunner to the worldwide scout adopt a local plan.
and guide movement. The
National Trust, who now manage the island still run camping on the very site. There The key milestones for the Dorset Council Local Plan are currently proposed as:
is also a colony of red squirrels and deer inhabiting the place, a unique feature of
a wonderful habitat. Consultation ....................January - March 2021
Publication ..................... Autumn 2021
Having disembarked we waited a while before being asked to walk through to Submission ....................... Spring 2022
the Castle Gardens (now owned by the John Lewis Partnership). Time for a chat,
talk about the day ahead and prepare for the race. I know I keep on saying so, Examination .................. Summer 2022
but there is a tremendous camaraderie amongst long distance swimmers that you Adoption .......................... Spring 2023
do not always get in swimming. A tub of Vaseline shared here, some useful tip
about navigating the island imparted there. Yes everyone wanted to achieve
their own personal goal but they were also keen to help others. Prior to the formation of Dorset Council, the legacy authorities had all
commenced reviews of their adopted local plans. The evidence that was
The safety briefing given by Mike Darkin was brief but comprehensive and he informing these reviews, and the consultation that was undertaken on them, has
seemed very keen that everyone been used to assist in the production of the current Dorset Council local plan. It is
swam in the same anticlockwise important to note that the proposals in the plan as outlined, are in draft form and
direction around the island! For a have been prepared for consultation so that we can seek feedback on what is
mainly left sided breather this could proposed. There will be opportunities as the plan progresses for the content to be
not be better! amended to respond to the issues raised.

The briefing over, there was time to Please find attached in the link below a summary of the Dorset Council local plan
make final preparations for the consultation document. This document gives a brief summary of each of the
race. There was a scurry of activity sections of the local plan. The consultation started on 18 January and runs for 8
as swimmers squeezed themselves weeks. There will also be a phone line that people can call to ask questions. This
into their wetsuits or swimming number will be available Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm. The dedicated phone line
costumes, hats on, goggles, a little is 01305 252500
Vaseline to prevent chaffing, we
were ready. h t t p s : / / m o d e r n g o v . d o r s e t c o u n c i l . g o v . u k / i e I s s u e D e t a i l s . a s p x ?
IId=11239&PlanId=0&Opt=3#AI6723

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