Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 9, 2025

Purpose: Adoption of New Forest Heaths Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy.

Content: (i)         That the New Forest Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy 2025, be agreed in principle. Any minor changes to the final version of the Strategy, be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning in consultation with the Corporate Director for Planning.   (ii)        That the Strategy be applied within the 13.8km buffer and 15km buffer for larger sites to allow planning permissions to be granted   (iii)       That as an interim arrangement, secured funding be transferred to the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) to extend their existing mitigation scheme whilst the new partnership scheme was established   (iv)      That, authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Emergency Planning in consultation with the Corporate Director for Planning for the agreement of guidance on proportional contributions for other over-night accommodation.   Reason for the decision   The New Forest Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy provided a long-term solution, and temporary arrangement, expanding the existing mitigation scheme to cover affected parts of Dorset. This would enable permissions to be granted in the interim. Joining the partnership scheme avoided the need for Dorset Council to develop its own complex alternative, which would delay planning consents.