Issue details

Decision

Having considered the representations received in response to public advertisement and the officers draft committee report, that the proposals are implemented as advertised. 

Reason for the Decision

The installation of the seven new cattle grids on the roads across the heaths will enable cattle, ponies and pigs to graze across a much-expanded area and create a 

dynamic mosaic of habitats, best able to support the full range of rare species associated with the Dorset heaths. 

Alternative Options considered and rejected

Consultation has taken place with the residents in the considered and                   vicinity of the proposed cattle grid locations, and a site 

rejected meeting to further discuss the proposals was held with the 

respondent objecting to the location of cattle grid E.   The location of cattle grid ‘E’ has been moved as far away as possible from the closest residential property following discussions with the resident (circa. 200m), whilst ensuring that the required visibility and distance of the advanced warning signs is achieved. 

Without cattle grid E and F, livestock would have access to Bank Gate Cottages. In 2019 the two current residents of Bank Gate Cottages were offered the option to have domestic cattle grids installed at their properties, but preferred to have Highways Grids installed either side of Bank Gate Cottages to exclude livestock from having any access to their properties. 

Consultees

The wider project is being developed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Natural England (NE), the National Trust (NT) and Dorset Council as host to the  Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Dorset  AONB). 

Under Dorset Council’s procedure, primary consultation was carried out on the proposals and it was supported by the two Local Members for Wareham; Arne Parish 

Council; Dorset Police; the Ambulance Service; the Fire and Rescue Service; and by Dorset Waste Partnership.  Consultation on the project has been ongoing for many  years with local residents, the wider community and  stakeholders. The objectives of the project have been well  received and supported by the local community. 

The proposed removal of an existing cattle grid and installation of new cattle grids along various road in Arne was advertised for public consultation. The public consultation started on 10 June 2021 and the consultation period closed on 02 July 2021. 

Budget Implications

The project is externally funded by the Purbeck Heaths Grazing Unit Project.

Legal Implications

No - Removal of existing cattle grid and installation of new cattle grids along various roads in Arne under Sections 82 to 90 of the Highways Act 1980 as amended.

Any Conflict of Interest?

No