Views sought on new measures to prevent wildfires and unauthorised beach camping
We are consulting on two new proposed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), designed to help tackle heathland fires, and anti-social overnight camping on Studland Beach.
Dorset Open Land (2) PSPO
This aims to extend controls on the lighting of fires on open land, particularly in areas of open heathland. It addresses issues of anti-social behaviour related to starting fires in grass, heathland, and forest areas.
Such fires pose risks to life, damage biodiversity and habitats, and can lead to significant economic losses from tourism and other land uses. The order includes provisions against placing, throwing, or dropping items likely to cause a fire, lighting fires, barbeques (including disposable ones), Chinese lanterns, fireworks, or using items that cause a naked flame or pose a fire risk.
Dorset Beaches [Studland] PSPO
This extends the control on camping on beaches to Studland Beach. It would make it an offence to camp on designated land without permission from the landowner or when asked to leave. This measure is in response to issues of 'wild camping' on Dorset beaches, which have led to increased nuisance complaints, property damage, rubbish accumulation, human waste, and destruction of natural habitats.
The current orders, covering other locations in the Dorset Council area, are set to expire in June this year and are likely to be extended for another three years.
Cllr Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said:
“These orders are important for the protection of our natural landscapes, and for protecting the safety and amenity of our residents and visitors to our wonderful county.
“Similar orders for other areas have been in place for the past three years, helping to raise awareness of the issues. This consultation is an important part of helping us ensure that views and comments are taken into consideration when we look to make the orders later this year.
“I strongly encourage everyone to please have a look at the proposals and let us know what you think.”
The two consultations open on Monday 24 February and close on Sunday 20 April.
[Photo: Dorset Heaths Partnership].
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