Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council have confirmed they are adding the following condition to any application that involves the approval of net residential dwellings from the 26th of May 2025:
Prior to the first occupation of the dwellings herby approved, a contribution of £300 per dwelling must be made to New Forest District Council for the mitigation of the adverse effects arising from the development on the New Forest SAC, New Forest SPA and New Forest Ramsar site and written evidence of payment provided to BCP Council.
Reason: To ensure that the development does not lead to increased recreational pressure and associated adverse effects on New Forest SAC, New Forest SPA and New Forest Ramsar site.
Significant evidence relating to recreational pressure on the New Forest designated sites has meant Natural England has advised BCP Council they should not be authorising any additional residential development within 13.8km of New Forest SAC, New Forest SPA and New Forest Ramsar without first securing appropriate mitigation.
The draft New Forest Access Management & Monitoring (SAMM) Strategy (October 2024) sets out suitable mitigation can be implemented through the collection of SAMMs payments and sets a tariff per dwelling of £300 for the BCP area. A clear interactive map demonstrating the 13.8km buffer is to be published as soon as possible.
Clare Bolton stated, “the news comes as no surprise as Dorset Council have recently announced they will also be securing a fixed fee of £400 per dwelling within a 13.8km zone of influence – though this is likely to be secured via a UU so it is refreshing to see BCP’s approach through a condition and at notably a lower cost than Dorset”.
Should you have any queries as to an ongoing 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.
