Forward Planning

The County Council provides guidance on policies and proposals within development plans, comprising the South East Regional Spatial Strategy, sub-regional strategies and local development frameworks (LDFs).

The Ecology Group gives appropriate support and guidance to districts to enable them to effectively take account of biodiversity within their LDFs.

The Hampshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework (HMWDF), which is in preparation, will provide a framework for future minerals and waste development in Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and the New Forest National Park. It will form part of the Minerals Resource Strategy, with important links to District Council's Local Development Frameworks and Community Strategies. The Ecology Group is providing advice and information to assist in the selection of locations for mineral extraction and waste management facilities. It has also assisted in the preparation of appropriate policies within the Core Strategy of the Framework.

The Local Transport Plan (LTP) sets out a long-term strategy for the County and includes an implementation plan covering the period from 2006 to 2011. The Ecology Group advised on biodiversity issues associated with the LTP.