Dorset council to reconsider 500-home plan over wildfire risk

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 18:38 · Archive

Dorset councillors are reconsidering a 500-home development at Crossways after new national planning policy raised questions about wildfire risk.

Dorset Council's Western and Southern Area Planning Committee will reconsider a major development of up to 500 homes at Crossways on Wednesday. The scheme, proposed by C & G Properties Ltd for land south of Warmwell Road, was approved in May 2026 subject to conditions and completion of a legal agreement.

The reconsideration is necessary because a revised National Planning Policy Framework and updated Housing Delivery Test figures were published after the committee's original decision. These are new material planning considerations that must be taken into account before permission is issued.

The application includes detailed permission for 99 open-market and affordable homes, a new doctors' surgery, replacement village hall, car park and village green. Outline permission is also sought for a further 401 homes, 2.5 hectares of employment land, roads, paths, cycleways and associated infrastructure. A full application covers the change of use of 22.4 hectares for a proposed Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace.

A key issue is a new national policy requiring developments to include proportionate wildfire mitigation where there is particular risk. At the case officer's request, the developer submitted a Wildfire Statement because the site adjoins Moigne Combe Wood, an area identified as having significant vegetation and potential fuel load.

How it is being reported

• 500 homes plan already approved to be reconsidered amid new questions on fire riskA MAJOR development of up to 500 homes is being reconsidered by Dorset councillors on Wednesday after changes to national planning policy raised new questions about wildfire risk.Bournemouth Echo · 13 Oct, 18:20
• 500 homes plan already approved to be reconsidered amid new questions on fire riskA MAJOR development of up to 500 homes at Crossways is being reconsidered by Dorset councillors on Wednesday after changes to national planning policy raised new questions about wildfire risk.Dorset Echo · 12 Oct, 09:37

In this story: Dorset Council · C & G Properties Ltd · Crossways · Warmwell Road · Moigne Combe Wood

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