Local Development Framework - Dorset Heathland Joint DPD
Purpose
This is a joint consultation on behalf of Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset, Purbeck and Poole Councils.The Dorset Heaths are a vital part of the natural environment of south east Dorset contributing to the area’s special qualities. Over time the expansion of the towns and villages in SE Dorset, afforestation and agricultural practices have resulted in the loss of substantial areas of heathland. Today, those areas that remain are afforded the highest level of protection as European wildlife sites whilst also providing access to countryside for the urban population. The protected sites cover an extensive and fragmented complex of sites from Warmwell near Dorchester in the west, to Verwood and Alderholt in the north, through Poole and Bournemouth to Christchurch in the east and across the northern half of Purbeck in the south.
In Summer 2006, the local authorities whose areas include designated heathland were warned by English Nature (now Natural England, the Government's advisor on nature conservation), that scientific evidence was showing that housing development within a wide area around heathland was likely to have a significant cumulative effect on them.The Councils have put in place an Interim Planning Framework (IPF) which seeks developer contributions towards a package of mitigation measures to offset the adverse effects of additional residential development. Details are provided in the leaflet to the left.The Councils have agreed to develop a long term strategy for the protection of designated heathlands through the production of a joint Development Plan Document. This allows for more detailed consideration of mechanisms and measures that may contribute to the appropriate and necessary mitigation of residential development proposed to 2026.
Consultation
The leaflet represents the first formal stage of production of the DPD, opening the debate on the issues and options for a long term strategy. Comments were invited between 17th September 2007 and 29th October 2007 on the issues and options put forward. Views received will be considered by the Joint Working Group representing the local authorities and inform the Preferred Options document.
Comments and representations to the Issues and Options Leaflet are summarised in the responses document adjacent. Alternatively you can view these responses online.
Comments and representations to the Sustainability Appraisal are summarised in the responses document adjacent. Alternatively you can view these responses online.
Strategic Planning
Civic Centre, Poole
BH15 2RU
Tel: 01202 633360
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