Dorset Heathlands Air Quality Mitigation

Protecting Dorset Heathland from Airborne Nitrogen-Based Pollutants

Overview

Lowland Heathlands are a protected European habitat. Airborne nitrogen-based pollutants from agriculture and vehicle emissions harm these heathlands by enriching the soil. This leads to the growth of non-native plants that outcompete native species, preventing habitat recovery. Ammonia and nitrogen oxides also have toxic effects on plant communities.

Legal Context

Under Article 6(2) of the Habitats Regulations, member states must prevent the deterioration of designated sites. Local plans and planning permissions must conclude no significant adverse effects on these sites through a habitats regulations assessment (Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive).

Heathland Decline

Over the past 100 years, population growth and changes in human activity have dramatically reduced heathlands. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provided legal protection to these areas, including Dorset’s heathlands.

Planning Framework

The National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance outline procedures for approving development proposals.

Dorset Heathlands Interim Air Quality Strategy

Dorset Council has developed an avoidance and mitigation strategy to address air quality impacts:

Category 1 Measures:

• Focus on mitigating the direct impact of development, particularly vehicle emissions near transport corridors.
• Aim to increase the resilience of heathland habitats within 200 meters of roads.
• Support recovery as traffic emissions decline due to a modal shift and increased use of zero-emission vehicles.

Category 2 Measures:

• Address air pollution across the entire heathland site.
• Ensure Category 1 measures are effective and conservation objectives are met.
• Focus on reducing agricultural emissions.

Support for Project Applications

Dorset Council supports project applications to mitigate air quality impacts. Examples include:

• Enhancing land management to support native heathland species recovery.
• Concentrating new development in urban areas to reduce car trips near heathland.
• Including mitigation measures in major developments near heathland.
• Designing agricultural buildings to reduce pollution.
• Changing agricultural land use to lower nitrogen inputs.

Funding and Governance

• Community Infrastructure Levy funding for air quality mitigation is overseen by a steering group from Dorset and BCP Councils, Natural England, and the Dorset Heaths Partnership.
• Final approval lies with Senior Officers based on funding levels.
• Mitigation must be secured for the life of the development using standard management agreements.

How to Apply or Enquire

For an informal conversation about your land or to propose a potential project, contact the Air Quality Mitigation Officer.