Agenda item

The BCP seafront is highly valued by local residents and visitors and provides a diverse range of internationally important natural habitats, geology and archaeology.  It also sits at the heart of our local tourism industry and also generates significant revenue to the Council, helping to fund wider services for the community.

A review of the Seafront Strategy has been undertaken to assess progress to date and refresh priorities in light of significant organisational changes, new pressures and opportunities. 

This report sets out a revised BCP Seafront Strategy, updating on the vision, key objectives, investment criteria and project delivery priorities.  It builds on the original strategy adopted in April 2022, by reflecting new priorities such as the removal of barriers to community access, wellbeing, and delivering environmental net gains across biodiversity and carbon reduction.  It also strengthens the focus on working with commercial operators to enable project delivery and secure external investment in infrastructure.

The Strategy provides a framework for investment over the next 20 years, along with priorities for the short to medium term.

The Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D’ to these minutes in the Minute Book. The Board was advised that a review of the Seafront Strategy had been undertaken to assess progress to date and refresh priorities in light of significant organisational changes, new pressures and opportunities.  The report sets out a revised BCP Seafront Strategy, updating on the vision, key objectives, investment criteria and project delivery priorities.  It builds on the original strategy adopted in April 2022, by reflecting new priorities such as the removal of barriers to community access, wellbeing, and delivering environmental net gains across biodiversity and carbon reduction.  It also strengthens the focus on working with commercial operators to enable project delivery and secure external investment in infrastructure. The meeting noted that the BCP seafront was highly valued by local residents and visitors and provided a diverse range of internationally important natural habitats, geology and archaeology. The Board was also advised that it sits at the heart of the local tourism industry and generates significant revenue to the Council, helping to fund wider services for the community.

The Strategy provided a framework for investment over the next 20 years, along with priorities for the short to medium term. The Board raised a number of issues which included:

Zoning areas of the Seafront – The report was welcomed and the idea of different zones throughout was a good idea but at present they appeared to be very reflective of what was currently in place and whether there was an approach to develop the character of areas further

Funding of Projects – It was noted that the Council was aiming to move towards more commercial partnerships, but the Board sought clarification around which projects would be affected. It was noted that SOBO beach long term development had been impacted by inflationary pressures and the temporary offering in place had proved incredibly popular. The redevelopment of Sandbanks Pavilion had also been similarly affected.

Offering Developments on the Beach – It was noted that the report highlighted beach based seasonal and beverage offers but the strategy talked about underused seafront sites but not about opportunities for the beach itself. The Board was advised that there were amazing activities taking place on the beach but that it was important to ensure that the planning process was used to say where this was appropriate. It was acknowledged that the Council didn’t have the balance right before in ensuring that residents and beach users were consulted on these issues. It was noted that this wasn’t included in the current policy document.

Young People – It was noted that the strategy appeared to prioritise the needs of young people and it was acknowledged that it was very clear that there was a need to ensure that all children had access to the beach, but it should be made an all-round experience and as child friendly as possible. It was important to ensure that there was a good balance across all age groups and that the beach was welcoming for young people, especially as they were an area that young people could visit for free.

Natural England – The Portfolio Holder and Officers were asked about the input from Natural England on SSSI and where their responsibilities ended, and the Council’s began. The parameters upon which Natural England were a statutory consultee on projects was outlined and it was explained how the Council worked with them on particular projects.

Healthy Eating – This wasn’t emphasised within the strategy, and it was noted that there was an obesity epidemic across the country and a lot of emphasis had been placed on health and wellbeing but this wasn’t reflected in the strategy. It was noted that the Durley Chine hub did aim to provide healthy, affordable offerings and this was something which could be considered in leasing of beachfront premises but there needed to be a balance.

Deprived Communities – Councillors advised that they would welcome an amendment to the strategy to particularly reference increasing access to the beach for deprived communities but acknowledged that a significant component of this was improvements to transport links. This was especially important for those without access to a garden at home.

Event zones – The Board suggested that in reference to the recommendation for Event Zones Ward Councillor involvement be considered.

Eco hub – In response to a query regarding the hub at Durley Chine it was noted that the next stage was to deliver the educational elements of the hub. It was explained that there was a need to explore potential partners for delivery.

Capital investment – How would the Council help to leaver private investment in apart from having a planning system which would be cooperatie with the aims of the strategy.

The Board noted and generally supported the recommendations withing the Cabinet report.