Habitats Regulations Assessment

This report is an assessment of Purbeck’s Core Strategy Preferred Options (consultation draft, dated September 2009), in accordance with the Habitats Regulations done by Footprint Ecology.

Purbeck District supports one of the most special and heavily protected environments in the country. Even in the context of SW England it is exceptional. Some 21% of the area of the District is of international importance for nature conservation, including the whole of the Dorset Heaths (Purbeck & Wareham) and Studland Dunes SAC. The largest part by district of the Dorset Heath SAC/Dorset Heathlands SPA and Ramsar site and similarly the largest part of Poole Harbour SPA/Ramsar site, and the majority of the Isle of Portland to Studland Cliffs SAC fall within the District.

The aim of this assessment is to identify any areas where there are likely significant effects to the Natura 2000 sites and assess these in detail. This will influence the development of thesubmission draft of the Core Strategy, ensuring that any elements of the plan where there is a

likelihood of a significant effect on any European site are assessed and that where necessary appropriate amendments are applied or alternative options pursued.

Download:

Habitats Regulations Assessment - Footprint Ecology File Type:  Adobe Acrobat File Size:  1.66 MB

Contact:

Planning Policy Team

Westport House

Worgret Road

Wareham

Dorset   Bh20 4PP

Tel:      01929 557 322

E-mail:  ldf@purbeck-dc.gov.uk