C3. Dorset Heathlands Planning Framework SPD

The Dorset Heathlands comprise a network of internationally important lowland heath habitats designated SPAs, SACs, and Ramsar sites. These heathlands support rare and vulnerable species, particularly ground-nesting birds such as nightjar, woodlark, and Dartford warbler.

The heathlands are distributed across southeast Dorset, including areas around Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and east Dorset. A substantial proportion of land within the surrounding authorities lies within close proximity to these designations, meaning that new residential development has the potential to increase recreational pressure, urbanisation effects, and other indirect impacts on the heathlands if not appropriately mitigated.

A new Local Plan for the Dorset Council is to be adopted in May 2027, with local plans for former council areas remaining in place until its adoption. The Dorset Council Local Plan is currently at the Regulation 18.

The Dorset Heathlands Planning Framework SPD establishes a strategic, cross-boundary mitigation framework to enable residential development while protecting the integrity of the heathlands. It is a material consideration in planning decisions and replaces earlier iterations of heathland mitigation guidance.

At a strategic level, the SPD defines ZoI (400m – 5km) around the heathlands and sets out the types of mitigation required within each zone. It also provides information on an exclusion zone where certain types of development are not supported (400m). At a site-specific level, it provides guidance on how individual developments must contribute to avoidance and mitigation measures depending on their scale and location.

The SPD translates high-level policy into a practical and measurable mitigation system, based on a combination of spatial zoning, financial contributions, and strategic infrastructure provision. The zoning approach provides a clear hierarchy for decision-making:

Mitigation comprises two elements: 

• Part 1: Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM), and 
• Part 2: Heathland Infrastructure Projects (HIPs). 

• Evidence based

The mitigation approach is underpinned by a comprehensive and locally specific evidence base relating to the ecological sensitivities of the Dorset heathlands, including recreational pressure, fire risk, urban edge effects, and habitat fragmentation. Evidence from visitor surveys, ecological studies, and Habitats Regulations Assessment work has informed the defined zones of influence and mitigation requirements affecting internationally designated heathland sites.  This evidence-led approach ensures that mitigation measures directly address identified impact pathways, particularly the sensitivity of ground-nesting birds to disturbance and the vulnerability of heathland habitats to urbanisation pressures.

• Clear messaging 

The use of maps, tables, and clearly structured sections in the SPD enables users to quickly identify whether development falls within the heathlands’ ZoI and what obligations arise. This clarity reduces uncertainty, supports efficient decision-making, and allows developers to incorporate mitigation requirements into scheme design at an early stage. Calculations regarding developer contributions are also highlighted in boxes to ensure key information is clearly communicated. 

• Use of spatial zones

The SPD uses clearly defined spatial zones, based on a robust evidence base, to link development proximity to standardised financial contributions and strategic infrastructure delivery. This spatial framework provides a clear basis for screening planning applications and determining when mitigation is required, helping LPAs to apply mitigation requirements consistently and proportionately.

• Detailed information on delivery

The use of legally enforceable mechanisms, including Section 106 agreements and clear timing requirements, ensures that mitigation is delivered in practice and strengthens the defensibility of planning decisions and ensures compliance with the Habitats Regulations. 

• Monitoring 

Ongoing monitoring and review allow the approach to evolve, reflecting an adaptive management model that responds to changing conditions and improved understanding.