The Poole Harbour Recreation 2019-2024 Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted by the council on 31 March 2020 and came into effect from 1 April 2020. The SPD is accompanied by an Adoption Statement, list of relevant background papers and a consultation report.

The SPD sets out a strategy under which planning applications for residential development can be determined and avoid adverse effects on the integrity of Poole Harbour, by mitigating the impact of additional visitors to the Harbour that can cause disturbance to protected birds.

Mitigation is necessary for all new residential development within the Poole Harbour Recreation Zone (identified in the SPD). The mitigation will be provided through Poole Harbour Infrastructure Projects (PHIPs) and Strategic, Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM). In Dorset Council area both PHIPs and SAMMs will usually be secured through the payment of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).