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Dorset Heathlands Interim Planning Framework

Local Planning Authorities in south east Dorset have produced a planning framework to manage pressures on sensitive heathlands resulting from development. This framework is for an interim period until a long term replacement is adopted.

The local authorities whose areas contain lowland heath protected by international designations have produced the Dorset Heathlands Interim Planning Framework (pdf, 1Mb) (opens in a new window)  for their protection.  The framework has been in place since December 2006, and its purpose is to ensure that there is no net increase in urban pressures on the heaths as a result of additional residential development between 400 metres and five kilometres of heathland.  The framework and accompanying  appendix (pdf, 259kb) (opens in a new window) demonstrate how harm to the protected heathlands can be avoided based upon a range of measures and sets out a mechanism to be applied cross boundary by the relevant local authorities. Following two public consultations during October 2006 and December 2010, the document was agreed by the councils of Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset, Poole and Purbeck which lie within the five kilometre zone from the protected heathlands. 

An overview map of the 400 metres to five kilometre zone is contained within the document.   Natural England (opens in a new window) provide maps showing the more detailed 400 metre zone around the protected heathland sites.

Roll forward of the Interim Planning Framework

It was hoped that by the end of 2011 a long term replacement for the Interim Planning Framework could have been put in place, however, this has not been the case. Therefore, to enable residential development to come forward an updated planning framework is necessary whilst the south east Dorset local authorities complete its long term replacement, the Dorset Heathlands Joint Development Plan Document.

The Dorset Heathlands Planning Framework Supplementary Planning Document (pdf, 1Mb) (opens in a new window) is published for a six week public consultation commencing Friday 3 February 2012 and ending Friday 16 March 2012. The public consultation document can also be viewed at the local authorities of Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset, Poole and Purbeck as well as in local libraries.

The Borough of Poole is co-ordinating the consultation arrangements on behalf of the local authorities and any comments on the consultation document should be sent using one of the following methods:

  • Email to planning@poole.gov.uk with 'Dorset Heathland Consultation' inserted in the subject box
  • In writing to Dorset Heathland Consultation, Planning and Regeneration Services, Borough of Poole, Civic Centre, Poole BH15 2RU.

It is proposed that the Supplementary Planning Document will function in the same way as the current Interim Planning Framework and on this basis the document sets out a revised programme of mitigation required to enable the predicted levels of residential development over the two year period to come forward.  The advantage and purpose of converting the Interim Planning Framework to a Supplementary Planning Document is that it will bring it within the current planning system and it will become part of each of the participating local authorities Local Development Frameworks.

The Interim Planning Framework 2010 to 2011 will continue to operate until the end of March 2012 or until such time that the Supplementary Planning Document has been prepared and adopted, which is expected in the spring of this year.  This document will be in place until 2014, by which time a longer term replacement, Dorset Heathlands Development Plan Document will be adopted.

The current Interim Planning Framework 2010 to 2011 was agreed by the councils to operate from 1 April 2010 following a public consultation in December 2009.  A  Matters Statement (pdf, 97kb) (opens in a new window) was produced, which summarised the consultation process undertaken.  The  Consultation Responses (pdf, 159kb) (opens in a new window)  are also available to view.

Unilateral planning obligations

In order to fund the measures set out in the Interim Planning Framework, residential developments are required to pay a contribution for each dwelling granted planning permission. Currently (1 April 2010) this is £1,034 per flat and £1,724 per house. There is also an administration fee of two per cent of these sums, subject to a minimum of £50 and a maximum of £1,000.

Those applying for planning permission should provide an agreement to make the payment before the development starts. This agreement is known as a unilateral undertaking and should be submitted with the planning application. Several standard agreements can be downloaded from this page for use by applicants:

Christchurch Borough Council:

East Dorset District Council:

The East Dorset agreement can also be used for contributions towards the South East Dorset Transport Scheme in the district.

In order that the appropriate document is chosen, and that is completed and executed correctly, you will almost certainly need legal advice. When submitting the document to us you will need to provide evidence of who owns the property and whether there are others with an interest in it, for example, a mortgagee. For most properties this will be an up to date official copy of the register of title from the Land Registry. The evidence of title required is the same as if you were selling the property. Unless and until an agreement in the correct form is executed and agreed by us, planning permission cannot be issued.

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