In May this year, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council temporarily paused approvals for residential development within the 13.8km zone of influence (ZOI) surrounding the New Forest. This decision followed guidance from Natural England, advising that no new residential development should be permitted within the 13.8km ZOI of New Forest SAC, SPA, and Ramsar sites without first securing appropriate mitigation measures due to significant evidence relating to recreational pressure on the New Forest designated sites.
After five months of uncertainty, BCP Council’s legal team has now confirmed that developers may proceed, subject to a financial contribution towards New Forest Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM). A legal agreement has been drafted and approved by cabinet, setting a tariff of £300 per dwelling within the BCP area. An interactive map has also been published to illustrate the 13.8km buffer zone. For larger developments of 200+ homes, it is understood a wider 15km buffer will apply, with contributions assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Clare Bolton, Senior Planner, commented: “After months of waiting, this resolution comes as a welcome relief to many of our clients waiting on their decision notices. We appreciate the swift action taken by BCP’s legal team in issuing the draft s106 agreements to us following the green light. That said, we remain acutely aware of the financial pressures these additional costs place on developers. We’re not sure whether future occupants will be asked to show their receipt when visiting the New Forest!”
Should you have any queries as to an ongoing or forthcoming application that may be affected by this or require further information on how Chapman Lily Planning can help guide you through the planning process, give us a call on 01929 553818 or email in at contact@clplanning.co.uk.
