Eastleigh Local Plan Inspectorate Hearing

03/12/2019

On 21-22 November 2019 the BDS Conservation Officer represented the BDS Dragonfly Conservation Group at the Eastleigh Local Plan Inspectorate Hearing on Matter 2: Vision and Objectives, the SA and HRA. This was a result of the DCG’s concerns that the current Habitat Regulations Assessment does not accurately take into account the vulnerability and sensitivity of the River Itchen SAC’s Southern Damselfly populations when assessing the need to mitigate ‘Impact Pathways’, such as water pollution and disturbance. While a Strategic Conservation Plan has been developed to improve habitat, robust mitigation is needed to ensure Southern Damselfly are safeguarded against the Local Plan’s proposed developments. We will continue to monitor the progression of the Eastleigh Local Plan and offer advice to the Council as requested.

To visit out more visit the Eastleigh Borough Council website.

Southern Damselfly image by Back from the Brink