Purpose

A review of the environmental enforcement
policy was necessitated by amendments to relevant legislation and
the need to enhance enforcement activities when considered
appropriate. The policy establishes the principles, objectives, and
operational framework for enforcement activities.

It sets out New Forest District Council’s approach to
environmental enforcement and explains how the council applies
legislation and statutory powers to deliver an effective,
consistent, and transparent enforcement process.

Decision

On 11 February 2026, Cllr Geoffrey Blunden,
the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability made the
following decision:

That following review of the enforcement policy by EMT and Legal
Services, the policy be approved.

Any member of the Council, who is not a Portfolio Holder, who
considers that this decision should be reviewed should give notice
using the call-in facility at the top of this page on the
Council’s intranet / extranet site. Alternatively, notice can
be given to the Monitoring Officer (Matt Wisdom) (in writing or by
e-mail) to be received ON OR BY 5.15 pm on 18 February 2026.

Details of the document the Portfolio Holder considered are
attached below.

Reasons for the decision

The current enforcement policy has not been
reviewed for several years and no longer aligns with prevailing
legislation or national guidance.

Environmental offences such as fly-tipping, littering, and waste
mismanagement pose risks to health, safety, and biodiversity. A
clear enforcement policy ensures these risks are addressed promptly
and effectively.

The documented policy demonstrates adherence to principles in the
regulators code, ensuring enforcement is proportionate, consistent,
and transparent. This builds trust with residents and
businesses.

Clear enforcement measures deter repeat offences and encourage
compliance through education and proportionate sanctions.

The enforcement policy supports the Corporate Plan 2024/28.
Priority 2 - Place, caring for our facilities, neighbourhoods and
open spaces in a modern and responsive way. Robustly tackling
issues that affect the quality of place such as fly tipping and
environmental crime.

Alternative options considered

See report.