Heathland Mitigation Funding
What is Heathland Mitigation Funding?
Heathland Mitigation Funding is generated through the desire to safeguard Dorset's once extensive heathlands from further degradation and fragmentation by urban development and other land uses.
It is the view of Natural England 
that the cumulative effect of further residential development within 5km of European designated heathland sites in Dorset would have a significant adverse effect on the rare and important habitats and associated plant and animal species of our lowland heaths. Additional residential development within 400m of heathland would, it is believed, have such an adverse effect that it is unlikely to be approved.
In the area between 400m and 5km, measured in a straight line from the boundary of the protected heath, it has been agreed that avoidance or mitigation measures can be taken that will allow development to be approved. Mitigation measures will include enhancements to existing open space and other publicly owned land and the provision of alternative facilities that would divert recreational use away from the heathland.
It is calculated that the cost of these measures, payable by developers as 'planning obligations' through the planning process, will result in a fund exceeding £7 million in the three years to the end of 2009. The fund will be allocated to mitigation measures throughout South East Dorset.
Who allocates and controls the spending?
Governance and finance is controlled by the Heathland Executive Group, comprising a representative of each of the Councils in South East Dorset, Dorset County Council, the RSPB, Home Builders' Federation and Natural England.
Heathland Mitigation Funding differs from Planning Obligations Funding in that it is collected from all the South East Dorset authorities and held centrally. Each of the authorities, and bodies such as the Forestry Commission and Dorset Wildlife Trust, can bid for funds - including for money collected from other authorities.
What can Heathland Mitigation funding be spent on?
Heathland Mitigation projects will divert pressures away from heathland by the improvement of existing open space close to heathland sites, or will reduce the impact of public use on the heathland itself. Typically they would involve extending the footpath network on existing open space, and the provision of challenging and adventurous play activities, such as skateboarding and BMX facilities. The Executive Group is currently considering the allocation of funds for ball play equipment, such as multi use games areas (MUGAs).
How are projects generated?
Projects are generated by Leisure Services staff and through:
- Local Member interest
- Partnership working with other Service Units
- The implementation of Management Plans
- The aspirations of residents and community groups
Local projects are submitted to the Heathland Executive Group having first been considered by Borough of Poole Leisure Services to ensure that they fit with the Council's core strategy and with Leisure Services priorities.
Leisure Services now accepts proposals, via the Green Card Scheme, for projects that meet the relevent criteria for either Heathland Mitigation or Planning Obligations Funding.
If you have identified a project you believe would improve the recreational or leisure opportunities in your neighbourhood or elsewhere in the Borough, and you believe it meets the criteria associated with the Green Card Scheme and the relevant funding, please download, complete and submit the Green Card Project Proposal Form available at Apply for it!.
Before completing your Green Card you are also advised to contact the Leisure Services Technical & Development Team who will be able to advise you whether your proposals meet the relevant criteria, and about providing evidence of local need and potential benefits.
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