Purpose

1.    To approve the adoption of the North Meadows Recreational Mitigation Strategy and to approve the use ofagreements under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972, as well as agreements and unilateral undertakings under section 106 of the Town and country Planning Act 1990, to secure developer contributions for this mitigation strategy. 

2.    To delegate responsibility of the approval of the details of the mitigation strategy, finalise subsequent matters as required and take all necessary steps to the Director for Environment in consultation with the Corporate Director Place and Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning. 

Decision

Following consultation, I give notice that I have made the decision set out in the attached report.

This decision was published on 6 November 2023 and will come into force on 14 November 2023.

Reasons for the decision

Approval is sought for the adoption of the North Meadow SAC Recreational Mitigation Strategy and section 111 developer contribution mechanism. This will protect the internationally important North Meadow National Nature Reserve and allow planning applications that have been stalled - unable to deliver alternative mitigation -to progress through the planning system in an efficient manner. 

Alternative options considered

Wiltshire Council is working alongside Swindon Borough Council, Cotswold District Council and Natural England to progress a joint mitigation strategy to prevent recreational impacts on the internationally protected North Meadow National Nature Reserve. A joint strategy is more robust, cost effective and efficient in resource terms, rather than separate, single-authority approaches.  

The strategy enables new development to progress in a timely manner through the planning system. Relevant development coming forward within the zones of influencecan financially contribute to the strategy to deliver strategic mitigation for impacts. 

The Section 111 approach is an alternative option to pay the financial contributions and can be used by applicants who would not otherwise have a legal agreement.  

Applicants can also progress bespoke mitigation measures as an alternative approach to this strategy.