Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

1.    That the “Mitigation for Recreational Impacts on New Forest European Sites” be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD); and

2.    That prior to publication, the final editing of the document (attached in Appendix 1 to the report) be agreed by the Chief Planning Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Yes.

PORTFOLIO:

Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report and highlighted that the Cabinet had approved a draft for public consultation in December 2020.  The consultation took place in January and February 2021 and attracted over 40 responses, from a range of audiences, including both residents and landowners.  The Portfolio Holder welcomed this level of engagement and the conclusions that there was broad support for the overall strategy and ambitions.  Minor amendments had been made in response to the consultation outcomes.

The projects delivered under the mitigation strategy would not only help to protect the more sensitive parts of the New Forest National Park, but would provide valuable natural green spaces close to communities, which would have a positive impact on their health and well-being.  As these projects evolved, full engagement with key stakeholders would take place, including councillors and Town and Parish Councils.  One Member welcomed the specific benefits in protecting the more sensitive parts of the New Forest’s natural environment.

In response to one Member’s question on developer contributions and benchmarking with other local authorities in Hampshire, it was reported that mitigation requirements in the context of this district presented a unique set of challenges.  However, as a developed strategy tested through the local plan process, the Cabinet and officers were satisfied with the viability of projects in the wider context of achieving other planning outcomes.