Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

Decision

(a)       That the Dorset Heathlands Interim Air Quality Strategy covering the period 2020-2025 be adopted;

(b)       That up to £187,000 be allocated from CIL to fund a project coordinator, delivery of projects and monitoring over a five year period.

Reason for the decision

An interim strategy is needed to allow the Council to continue granting planning permission for new development and facilitating growth. The proposed interim strategy will simplify the planning application process by removing the need for applicants to identify and implement bespoke mitigation projects, in most cases, to mitigate the air quality impact of developments upon the Dorset Heathlands. Work needs to begin immediately on identifying and implementing projects.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning set out a report on the interim strategy to continue granting planning permission for new development and facilitating growth.

Members were advised that this strategy was needed to help address emissions caused by the additional car trips from new development. The proposed joint strategy with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council would provide interim mitigation measures in advance of any formal policy position set out in the emerging BCP Council and Dorset Council local plans.

Decision

(a)       That the Dorset Heathlands Interim Air Quality Strategy covering the period 2020-2025 be adopted;

(b)       That up to £187,000 be allocated from CIL to fund a project coordinator, delivery of projects and monitoring over a five year period.

Reason for the decision

An interim strategy is needed to allow the Council to continue granting planning permission for new development and facilitating growth. The proposed interim strategy will simplify the planning application process by removing the need for applicants to identify and implement bespoke mitigation projects, in most cases, to mitigate the air quality impact of developments upon the Dorset Heathlands. Work needs to begin immediately on identifying and implementing projects.