Decision details

To address legislative and other alternatives available to control or prohibit barbeques and other fire related activities relating to the Dorset Council area.

Decision

(a)       That a two-step approach be adopted to the control of disposable barbeques and other fire related activities firstly focussing on increasing public awareness about the risks and the wider impacts through campaigns, policies and schemes, then if necessary, introducing legislation which will result in penalties for those in contravention.
 

(b)       To achieve this the following options were approved:

(1)          Not to pursue designating areas or Dorset Council areas with a PSPO relating to BBQ’s and fire related activities this year but evaluate 2022 (Option 1)

(2)          Not to pursue having a specific byelaw at this current time (Option 2)

(3)          The Sky Lantern and Balloon Policy and the new BBQ and campfire/Wildfire Policy be adopted by Dorset Council (Option 3)

(4)          Moors Valley to investigate the gas/electric communal style BBQ option with Forestry England later (Option 4)

(5)          Officers be asked to investigate partnership funding options to support having a new Firewise voluntary warden scheme delivered through the Dorset Firewise project (Option 5)

(6)          The campaign and communication work be supported and developed and taken forward for 2021 season in line with any recommendations from the report to Cabinet of 6 April 2021. (Option 6)

(7)          Dorset Council initiate a coordinated approach to the banning of disposable BBQs in agreed high risk area's locations. This work should link with Option 3, 5 and 6 (Option 7).

Reason for Recommendation: 

This two-step approach considered the cost, the length of time it takes to introduce new legislation and difficulties in enforcement as well as the effectiveness of various control methods. The recommended approach aims to balance the various options presented to Cabinet.