Issue - meetings

Heathland Mitigation is an important policy with a long-standing planning context that enables development across BCP, where nearly all development sites are within 5Km of internationally protected heathlands.

Examples of Heathland Infrastructure Projects are given that use developer contributions to mitigate the impact of housing on Dorset’s lowland heaths.

The Portfolio Holder for the Environment presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The Committee was advised that Heathland Mitigation is an important policy with a long-standing planning context that enables development across BCP, where nearly all development sites are within 5Km of internationally protected heathlands.

Examples of Heathland Infrastructure Projects were given that use developer contributions to mitigate the impact of housing on Dorset’s lowland heaths.

Mitigation funding comes from CIL and is ringfenced.  The Council can improve what was currently being done by increasing SANG provision to get an overview of where green space is.  There will be balancing of who currently uses SANGS and who will use them.  To be classed as a SANG the land needs to be 30 hectares or more.  The Council were looking at innovative ways for people to travel to SANGS to cut down on car usage.

RESOLVED that Members review the information in the report.

Voting: Unanimous