Decision details

A review of the environmental enforcement policy was necessitated by amendments to relevant legislation and the need to enhance enforcement activities when considered appropriate. The policy establishes the principles, objectives, and operational framework for enforcement activities.

It sets out New Forest District Council’s approach to environmental enforcement and explains how the council applies legislation and statutory powers to deliver an effective, consistent, and transparent enforcement process.

On 11 February 2026, Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability made the following decision:

That following review of the enforcement policy by EMT and Legal Services, the policy be approved.

Any member of the Council, who is not a Portfolio Holder, who considers that this decision should be reviewed should give notice using the call-in facility at the top of this page on the Council’s intranet / extranet site. Alternatively, notice can be given to the Monitoring Officer (Matt Wisdom) (in writing or by e-mail) to be received ON OR BY 5.15 pm on 18 February 2026.

Details of the document the Portfolio Holder considered are attached below.

The current enforcement policy has not been reviewed for several years and no longer aligns with prevailing legislation or national guidance.

Environmental offences such as fly-tipping, littering, and waste mismanagement pose risks to health, safety, and biodiversity. A clear enforcement policy ensures these risks are addressed promptly and effectively.

The documented policy demonstrates adherence to principles in the regulators code, ensuring enforcement is proportionate, consistent, and transparent. This builds trust with residents and businesses.

Clear enforcement measures deter repeat offences and encourage compliance through education and proportionate sanctions.

The enforcement policy supports the Corporate Plan 2024/28. Priority 2 - Place, caring for our facilities, neighbourhoods and open spaces in a modern and responsive way. Robustly tackling issues that affect the quality of place such as fly tipping and environmental crime.

See report.