A CROSS-PARTY party initiative in Christchurch to commission a review of the BCP Council planning committee system has been launched.

The move follows the rejection last month by BCP's Conservative administration of a request by the opposition for the council to come up with its own report.

Now planning consultant Jo Witherden has been asked to investigate the feasibility of one planning board for each of the three BCP towns, rather than current single committee.

The report is being funded by the four parish councils in Christchurch - Highcliffe and Walkford, Christchurch Town, Burton and Hurn.

And it has been spearheaded by Christchurch's six Independent councillors with backing from two other councillors representing the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.

Cllr Margaret Phipps who took the issue to BCP full council last month said: "There is a lot of concern in Christchurch that the current system will simply not protect the borough and there needs to be rethink.

"We think the vast majority of residents will feel as we do that the borough needs a planning board system that more fairly reflects the needs and wishes of the residents, not one in which all but two members are from outside Christchurch and haver little knowledge or understanding of it."

Cllr Phipps, who represents the Commons ward and was cabinet member for strategic planning in the Unity Alliance added: "There is plenty of evidence nearby to show that a number of planning boards, can work extremely well, including on Dorset Council, which has four and in Wiltshire. It is already clear that the centralisation of planning decisions is not a good idea."

Cllr Phipps' move at full council was narrowly defeated by 38-36 votes - with several Conservatives from Poole backing the idea.

"It shows there is disquiet in other parts of the conurbation, not just Christchurch, " she added.