Decision details

AGREEMENT MADE UNDER  

Deed of Agreement:  Land purchase and management payment to the National Trust to deliver nitrogen mitigation land management in Poole Harbour Catchment.   

Decision: 

Authorise sealing of agreement 

Background 

Land purchase and management payment to the National Trust to deliver nitrogen mitigation land management in Poole Harbour Catchment.  It is funded by the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund, a government grant to help ensure development has mitigation options available to secure nutrient neutrality. The land is part of a much larger National Trust land purchase creating a substantial nature reserve around the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant. This will secure additional secondary benefits for wildlife, people and access. 

Development nutrient neutrality required for Habitat Regulations. Poole Harbour is a habitats site. Where impacts may have an adverse effect on the integrity of a habitats site that NN mitigation, is required.  

The agreement will ensure we have units for developers to use, thereby facilitating development. 

Dorset Council, as the competent authority under the provisions of the Habitats Regulations, has a responsibility to ensure development does not lead to adverse effects upon the integrity of internationally protected wetland habitats. We have secured government grant funding to facilitate this and Dorset Council, is tasked with facilitating suitable projects to mitigate impacts to acceptable levels.   

Dorset Council Cabinet, at its meeting of 12 March 2024, delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Economic Growth and Infrastructure, in consultation with the portfolio holder for planning, to agree expenditure over £100,000 but not exceeding £1.5m. This was duly authorised by the Corporate Director on 14 October 2024. 

Under the officer scheme of delegation and relevant nomination I am authorized to instruct the sealing of this agreement:  

36 To instruct / appoint and/or authorise any external person (including any consultant) or body (excluding legal professionals) to undertake work and/ or act for and/or on behalf of the Council in respect of any matter (including at any legal proceedings, tribunal, hearing, inquiry or similar body) relating to any work undertaken by Planning Services for which the Chief Officer’s is responsible and/or to which s/he is providing support.  

37 To determine whether to enter and to enter into any contract or agreement for works, services and/or supplies, including all terms, for any service for which the Chief Officer is responsible provided that: 

(a) any expenditure incurred can be met from a relevant budget; and, 

(b) the process followed is in accordance with the Contract Procedure Rules. 

N/A.

N/A.