URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2595

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Fareham Borough Council is a member of the Bird Aware Solent Partnership.  The purpose of this report is to seek the Executive’s approval of the Bird Aware Partnership’s Revised Strategy.   The Solent Coastline contains large numbers of important bird assemblages which resulted in it being designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive and subsequently transported into the UK Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the Habitats Regulations).   The Solent SPA bird species are particularly vulnerable to the effects of recreational disturbance arising from new housebuilding in the area.  The Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership (SRMP) was formed, of which Fareham Borough Council (FBC) is a member, to develop a strategy that would allow local authorities to permit new residential development whilst ensuring protection and mitigation of The Solent SPAs.  The Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy, later renamed the Bird Aware Strategy, was produced and adopted in April 2018.   The current Strategy sets out the approach to mitigate the impact upon SPA birds up to 2034.  It proposes a series of management measures which actively encourage all coastal visitors to enjoy their visits in a responsible manner rather than restricting access to the coast or preventing activities that take place.   On 30 September 2024, the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH) approved a Revised Bird Aware Strategy, which incorporates several main changes from the existing strategy:   ·         The duration of the strategy has been extended from 2034 to 2050. ·         The Strategy has been extended to also address the effects upon summer breeding birds. ·         The core team of dedicated staff will be increased from 10 to 19. ·         Increased resources will be allocated to the dog initiative ‘Coast and Country Canines’, communications and engagement workstreams and monitoring.   Payment of the Bird Aware contribution contributes towards the necessary mitigation to protect the SPAs in line with the advice of Natural England, the Government’s statutory advisor on nature conservation.  If applicants decide not to make the contribution, they will need to undertake their own Habitat Regulations Assessment to assess and mitigate the impact that their development may have on an SPA, as required by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the Habitats Regulations).      

Content: Fareham Borough Council is a member of the Bird Aware Solent Partnership.  The purpose of this report is to seek the Executive’s approval of the Bird Aware Partnership’s Revised Strategy.   The Solent Coastline contains large numbers of important bird assemblages which resulted in it being designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive and subsequently transported into the UK Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the Habitats Regulations).   The Solent SPA bird species are particularly vulnerable to the effects of recreational disturbance arising from new housebuilding in the area.  The Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership (SRMP) was formed, of which Fareham Borough Council (FBC) is a member, to develop a strategy that would allow local authorities to permit new residential development whilst ensuring protection and mitigation of The Solent SPAs.  The Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy, later renamed the Bird Aware Strategy, was produced and adopted in April 2018.   The current Strategy sets out the approach to mitigate the impact upon SPA birds up to 2034.  It proposes a series of management measures which actively encourage all coastal visitors to enjoy their visits in a responsible manner rather than restricting access to the coast or preventing activities that take place.   On 30 September 2024, the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH) approved a Revised Bird Aware Strategy, which incorporates several main changes from the existing strategy:   ·         The duration of the strategy has been extended from 2034 to 2050. ·         The Strategy has been extended to also address the effects upon summer breeding birds. ·         The core team of dedicated staff will be increased from 10 to 19. ·         Increased resources will be allocated to the dog initiative ‘Coast and Country Canines’, communications and engagement workstreams and monitoring.   Payment of the Bird Aware contribution contributes towards the necessary mitigation to protect the SPAs in line with the advice of Natural England, the Government’s statutory advisor on nature conservation.  If applicants decide not to make the contribution, they will need to undertake their own Habitat Regulations Assessment to assess and mitigate the impact that their development may have on an SPA, as required by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (the Habitats Regulations).       RESOLVED that the Executive approves the approach and implementation of the Bird Aware Partnership’s Revised Strategy with effect from 1 January 2025.

Date of Decision: December 3, 2024