BCP Council is backing new work to protect Christchurch Harbour, including support for bathing water designation and a framework to guide future management for residents and stakeholders. Christchurch Harbour is set for new protection work after BCP Council backed several commitments today. The council will write to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to support community efforts to have the harbour designated as a bathing area for activities beyond swimming. If designation is approved, the Environment Agency would monitor water quality during the summer months each year.
Christchurch Harbour is set for new protection work after BCP Council backed several commitments today.
The council will write to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to support community efforts to have the harbour designated as a bathing area for activities beyond swimming.
If designation is approved, the Environment Agency would monitor water quality during the summer months each year. Cabinet also agreed funding for a new harbour protection framework, which will be produced by the Dorset Coast Forum.
The framework will guide current and future management of the harbour for stakeholders and residents. The money will come from the sale of land at Cabot Lane in Poole, which has already been earmarked for Wessex Water.
Planning officers will also work on a Local Plan policy to improve the water environment across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with specific reference to Christchurch Harbour. The Local Plan is due to go out for public consultation later this year.
The commitments follow a public meeting in September, which was attended by more than 500 residents. Councillor Andy Hadley said it was time to "invest in the harbour" and develop a "coordinated approach".
