New research identifies additional recreational land that could unlock development close to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) , reveals a report published by the South East England Regional Assembly and partners.

The Assembly-led research has addressed the urgent issue of how much needed new homes can be built without damaging wildlife habitats across Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. The study looked at providing alternative recreational land to prevent too many visitors damaging the heathlands.

Information on land ownership from local authorities, the Ministry of Defence, the Forestry Commission and other landowners has been analysed and 600 potential sites have been identified as suitable for recreational space. Of these, 60 sites could be made available in the short term.

Yvette Cooper MP, Minister for Housing and Planning said:

“This report shows the strong commitment to support the new homes we need and protect important habitat and wildlife at the same time. There is more work underway but this shows that considerable progress can be made through effective collaboration between local partners.”

Cllr Christine Field, Chairman of the Assembly’s Regional Planning Committee said:

“The report gives reason for cautious optimism and shows that there is potential for additional recreational land to be provided. This could allow homes to be built close to the Thames Basin Heaths as outlined in the South East Plan, while protecting the natural habitats of the area. We now need to concentrate on making land available and to see this process through.”

Rob Cameron from English Nature added:

“The Thames Basin Heaths are beautiful natural sites and wonderful places to visit but we needed an urgent solution for new homes. This has been an efficient and successful process, and we look forward to continue working with the partners on delivery.”

The research will inform the delivery of the South East Plan. Local authorities, English Nature, developers and other land owners will use it to work out detailed proposals and costs.

Identifying extra recreational space is one part of a proposed delivery plan for development near the SPA. English Nature will also undertake research on how people access and use the SPA.

The Department for Communities and Local Government and the Assembly have also commissioned a review to look at standards for recreational space and management of heathlands and habitats.

Contacts

Lesley van Dijk, Assembly PR Executive - 01483 555223

Heather Bolton, Assembly Communications Director - 01483 555220

Notes to editors:

1. The research has been jointly funded with English Nature and the Department for Communities and Local Government - see link to the report.
2. The Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) covers an area of about 8,400 hectares, including 13 sites of Special Scientific Interests in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey.
3. The SPA is of European importance for its heathland bird population (nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler). The site consists of dry and wet heathland, mire, oak, birch acid woodland, gorse scrub and acid grassland.
4. The South East England Regional Assembly is the regional partnership for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region, which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
5. The Regional Assembly is made up of 112 members including elected councillors nominated by the region's local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations) as well as the New Forest National Park Authority.
6. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
• It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
• The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
• The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007