SWAN10: Dorset Heathlands
The impact of proposed development on the Dorset Heathlands Special Area of Conservation, alone or in combination with other existing and proposed development, must be screened for likely significant effects under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).
Where there is a probability or risk of a significant effect, the proposed development will be subject to an appropriate assessment (taking into account the lifetime of the development). Development proposals should, therefore, be accompanied by information reasonably required to undertake an appropriate assessment, and demonstrate how the development will avoid or otherwise mitigate any adverse impact on the integrity of any relevant site(s) in the national site network.
- This policy implements National Decision-Making Policy N6 on sites of international biodiversity importance to ensure that the Plan can demonstrate that all development proposals will accord with legislation, regulations and national and local planning policy relating to their potential for significant effects on the Dorset Heathlands Special Protection Area. The whole of the Plan area lies within the 5km buffer area of a part of the designated Heathlands. The Dorset Heathlands Planning Framework 2020-2025 was adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document by Dorset Council in April 2020 to manage decision making in this area.