Purpose

Reason for the Decision

 

A report was considered by Dorset Council Cabinet on 1
November 2022.

 

The report sought a decision for grant funding of £895,034
to Dorset Wildlife Trust of heathland mitigation funds collected via the
Community Infrastructure Levy to allow delivery of the SANG.

 

The project formed part of the Heathland Interim
Mitigation Strategy for the Purbeck Local Plan.

 

It is estimated that the proposed SANG would mitigate
the impacts from approximately 430 new homes within Purbeck, some of which have
already been built or have planning permission.

 

The project had been considered and approved by the
Heathland Mitigation Steering Group which includes representatives from Natural
England.

 

Planning permission has been obtained to enable the land
to be managed as a SANG.

 

I have the following delegated authority, as set out in the
Cabinet Report Item and minutes of 1 November 2022, minute 81:

 

“Decision

(a) That authority be delegated
to the Portfolio Holder for Planning to enter into a contract funding agreement
for DWT to deliver the Wild Woodbury SANG on terms to be recommended by the
Executive Director of Place.”

 

In exercise of my delegated authority, and in consultation
with the Executive Director of Place I approve the recommendation to enter into
the funding agreement.

 

Alternative Options
considered and rejected

 

N/A

 

Consultees

Executive Director for Place

 

Budget Implications

As set out in the
Cabinet report

 

Legal Implications

Legal advice has
been sought on the form of funding agreement.

 

Any Conflict of
Interest?

None

 

Reference Documents

Cabinet Report and minutes of 1 November 2022, minute 81.

The attached grant funding agreement

 

Content

That
Dorset Council enters into a funding agreement for £895,034 with Dorset
Wildlife Trust to deliver 12.5 hectares of Suitable Alternative Natural
Greenspace (SANG) for heathland mitigation.