Decision details

To obtain agreement to consult on an update to the Dorset Heathland SPD, which expires 31^st March 2020. Without an updated SPD in place BCP Council would be unlikely to be able to grant planning permission for new residential development.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)       Cabinet approves the publication of the Dorset Heathlands Planning Framework 2020-2025 Supplementary Planning Document for public consultation;

(b)       any minor changes to the consultation document are delegated to the Director of Growth and Infrastructure in liaison with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning; and

(c)       Cabinet approves the funding arrangements for the Urban Heaths Partnership for the period 1^st April 2020 to 31^st March 2022.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Strategic Planning

Reason

To ensure the Council maintains a planning framework for mitigating impact on Dorset Heathlands. The document once adopted will have weight in decision making, when determining planning applications for new housing development. It will enable the decision maker a, as Competent Authority under the ‘Habitats Regulations’, the certainty that the impact of development will be mitigated avoiding an adverse effect upon the ‘Dorset Heathlands’.

The document is prepared jointly with Dorset Council and minor modifications may be requested by either Council which will need authorisation.