The  South East Dorset Transport Contributions Scheme (pdf, 187kb) (opens in a new window) provides the policy background and need for contributions to transport infrastructure in South East Dorset, and sets out how the policies are to be implemented. Paper copies of the document can also be viewed at the council offices.

For East Dorset, the scheme will operate from 1 January 2010 for 18 years, or until such time a replacement scheme is adopted. The operational area of the scheme comprises Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the majority of East Dorset and has been designed to be compatible with the Government's emerging legislation on the Community Infrastructure Levy.

The scheme establishes a clear formula for calculating a standard charge in respect of certain transport infrastructure requirements. This will allow the local authorities to plan the necessary mitigation to enable development to proceed.  It also establishes a reasonable level of contribution towards mitigation in the form of a standard charge.

The standard charge or tariff relates to the additional transport movements caused by development.  South East Dorset traffic forecasts for 2026 show that additional vehicle trips per weekday due to new residential development will be 185,700 trips, and 46,425 trips due to new non-residential development.  The scheme has a sliding scale of tariffs depending on the size and type of development and have been calculated against the level of trips generated by the development and the contribution required to mitigate the impact on the transport network.  Residential and non-residential forms of development are required to make a contribution where there is a net increase in trips.  For 2010 - 2011, the cost per trip is £691.21 (this reflects this years index linking).

The scheme has been jointly prepared by Dorset County Council, Bournemouth Borough Council, Borough of Poole Council, Christchurch Borough Council and East Dorset District Council in consultation with the Highways Agency and other strategic transport network authorities.  Government guidance advises that the adequacy of transport infrastructure is an important consideration in the granting of planning permission, and that transport improvements which are necessary in order for a development to take place can be made the subject of a planning obligation. 

Transport Contributions Scheme review consultation

East Dorset District Council jointly with Bournemouth, Christchurch, Dorset County and Poole Councils have been reviewing the South East Dorset Transport Contributions Scheme.  This review is now published for consultation for six weeks from 9 November 2011 until 22 December 2011.  The document and a series of consultation questions are available online through the  South East Dorset Transport Contributions Scheme consultation portal (opens in a new window) .  Copies are also available to view at council offices and local libraries.

The results of the significant three year South East Dorset Multi Modal Transport Study (SEDMMTS) were published in 2011 to guide and clarify future transport investment decisions in the South East Dorset region to meet the growth requirements.   The South East Dorset Transport Contributions Scheme has been revised in recognition of this work and views on the revisions are sought.

Unilateral planning obligations

In order to fund the measures set out in the South East Dorset Transport Contributions Scheme, relevant residential and non-residential developments are required to pay a contribution.  Applicants can provide a legal agreement to make the payment before development starts.  This agreement is known as a unilateral undertaking and should be submitted with the planning application.  A standard agreement is available below and is accompanied by a guidance note.  This agreement can also be used for contributions towards the Dorset Heathland Interim Planning Framework.

• East Dorset Unilateral Planning Obligation (Transport and Heathlands) (pdf, 47kb) (opens in a new window)
• Notes for Guidance for Unilateral Planning Obligations (pdf, 11kb) (opens in a new window)

• Name: Policy Planning (East Dorset)
  Email: policy.planning@eastdorset.gov.uk
  Tel: 01202 886201
  Full details for Policy Planning (East Dorset)