11th February 2013
11th February 2013
E-mail from Council
The Dorset Heathlands Development Plan Document - Preferred Options Consultation
The Local Authorities of Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset, Poole and Purbeck are publishing for public consultation a jointly prepared Preferred Options document for The Dorset Heathlands. The document incorporates a Sustainability Appraisal which provides an assessment of the social, environmental and economic implications of the Plan (Appendix C). The Borough of Poole is co-ordinating the work on the document, including the consultation.
The Dorset Heathlands Development Plan Document (DPD) sets out the strategy for the mitigation of the adverse impacts of future housing development across South East Dorset over the period to 2026. The Preferred Options consultation document explains why the strategy is necessary and promotes a 'vision' for the future of protected heathland areas. In addition, it sets out three objectives that seek to protect the integrity of the heaths; mitigate and avoid the impacts of population and housing growth and integrate the Dorset Heaths within the wider green infrastructure network. Various options aimed at delivering these objectives are assessed and preferred options identified. The Plan also includes four draft policies relating to - protection of the Heaths; development within the Plan area; the prioritisation of funding for infrastructure and mitigation required by European legislation and the provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) that will provide an important mechanism through which land can be used to avoid or mitigate the adverse effects of development. The consultation provides the opportunity for all stakeholders to consider and comment on the choices being proposed for the protection of heathland areas across South East Dorset and the avoidance or mitigation of adverse impacts on these areas arising from future development.
Public consultation on the Preferred Options document, incorporating the Sustainability Appraisal, will be held over an eight week period commencing on Friday 1st February and closing on Thursday 28th March 2013. The document can be viewed on, and downloaded from the Borough of Poole website, at libraries (see relevant local authority websites for opening times) and at the respective Council Offices of each local authority. Representations can be made online, by email to planning@poole.gov.uk.
Or alternatively written representations can be returned to:
Planning Policy and Implementation,
Planning and Regeneration Services including Building Consultancy,
Civic Centre,
Poole,
BH15 2RU
Representations may be accompanied by a request to be notified when The Dorset Heathlands DPD has been formally submitted to the Secretary of State for examination, when the inspectors report has been published and when the document has been adopted.
If you have any questions or should you have any difficulties accessing the consultation material, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind Regards
Nigel Jacobs,
Planning Policy and Implementation Manager, Borough of Poole,
On behalf of Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset, Poole and Purbeck Councils.