Issue - meetings

Natural England has objected to several major planning applications concerning the in-combination effect of additional development upon the Dorset Heathlands designated sites (SPA, SAC and Ramsar).

Airborne nitrogen and ammonia gases from multiple sources, including agriculture and vehicle emissions settle on heathlands, enriching the soil. This favours faster growing plants and the spread of species not normally found on heathlands which outcompete and inhibit the recovery of the heathland habitats.

A strategy is needed to help address emissions caused by the additional car trips from new development. The proposed joint strategy with Dorset Council set out in this report provides interim mitigation measures in advance of a formal policy position in the emerging BCP Council and Dorset Council local plans.

The strategy is required until at least 2030 when the take up of electric powered vehicles should negate the need for mitigation and improve air quality. Current Council strategies such as modal shift will help, but targeted projects around heathland sites are also needed.

A budget of £750,000 is needed for 5 years mitigation projects, £562,500 from BCP Council and £187,500 from Dorset Council based on the proportions of planned development at £50 per dwelling. The strategy will be paid for by developers from the overall Community Infrastructure Levy receipts.

The ? presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix '?' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Public Report 

RECOMMENDED that:-

(a)          The interim Dorset Heathlands Interim Air Quality strategy covering the period 2020-2025 is adopted;

(b)          A £562,500 project budget is set aside from Community Infrastructure Levy to implement the strategy over the period 2020-2025;

(c)          An Air Quality Project Co-ordinator is appointed from the project budget to bring forward projects; and

(d)          Any changes resulting from Dorset Council adopting this document are delegated to the Director of Growth and Infrastructure in liaison with the relevant Portfolio Holders.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning

                            Transport and Sustainability

Natural England has objected to several major planning applications concerning the in-combination effect of additional development upon the Dorset Heathlands designated sites (SPA, SAC and Ramsar).

Airborne nitrogen and ammonia gases from multiple sources, including agriculture and vehicle emissions settle on heathlands, enriching the soil. This favours faster growing plants and the spread of species not normally found on heathlands which outcompete and inhibit the recovery of the heathland habitats.

A strategy is needed to help address emissions caused by the additional car trips from new development. The proposed joint strategy with Dorset Council set out in this report provides interim mitigation measures in advance of a formal policy position in the emerging BCP Council and Dorset Council local plans.

The strategy is required until at least 2030 when the take up of electric powered vehicles should negate the need for mitigation and improve air quality. Current Council strategies such as modal shift will help, but targeted projects around heathland sites are also needed.

A budget of £750,000 is needed for 5 years mitigation projects, £562,500 from BCP Council and £187,500 from Dorset Council based on the proportions of planned development at £50 per dwelling. The strategy will be paid for by developers from the overall Community Infrastructure Levy receipts.

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that a strategy was needed to help address emissions caused by the additional car trips from new development. In relation to this Cabinet was informed that this proposed joint strategy with Dorset Council set out interim mitigation measures in advance of a formal policy position in the emerging BCP Council and Dorset Council local plans.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the strategy was required until at least 2030 when the take up of electric powered vehicles should negate the need for mitigation and improve air quality. In addition Cabinet was informed that a budget of £750,000 was needed for 5 years mitigation projects, £562,500 from BCP Council and £187,500 from Dorset Council based on the proportions of planned development at £50 per dwelling. In relation to this it was advised that the strategy would be paid for by developers from the overall Community Infrastructure Levy receipts.

RECOMMENDED that:-

(a)          The interim Dorset Heathlands Interim Air Quality strategy covering the period 2020-2025 is adopted;

(b)          A £562,500 project budget is set aside from Community Infrastructure Levy to implement the strategy over the period 2020-2025;

(c)          An Air Quality Project Co-ordinator is appointed from the project budget to bring forward projects; and

(d)          Any changes resulting from Dorset Council adopting this document are delegated to the Director of Growth and Infrastructure in liaison with the relevant Portfolio Holders.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning

                            Transport and Sustainability