Contact: Colin Hinxman, 01962 847343 email: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 That Councillor J K Glen, with Councillor Mrs S. A. Wheale as standing deputy, be appointed as the County Council's representative to serve on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Joint Strategic Partnership Board.

2. Reason

2.1 To ensure that the County Council is fully represented at senior elected member level in the development of this partnership, which acts as an advisory body for local planning authorities in the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA). The Board comprises elected member representatives from the planning authorities involved in the South East Berkshire, Western Surrey and North East Hampshire areas. In Hampshire that includes the County Council, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hart District Council, Rushmoor Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council. There are also arrangements for participation by relevant stakeholders, for example Natural England; the Government Office for the South East; the Ministry of Defence; and the Forestry Commission.

2.2 The Board's aim is to act as point of contact and to disseminate information between member organisations/stakeholders on the Thames Basin Heaths area and associated land management or planning issues; to carry out survey work; to raise funds; and to provide advice and guidance on land management and planning within the area covered by the heathlands. It will also direct the work and priorities of an officer support group comprising representatives drawn from the participating authorities. Involvement in the partnership will enhance quality of place by contributing to a strategic and co-ordinated approach to protection of those Thames Basin heathlands which fall within Hampshire's boundaries.

2.3 As this is a first time appointment, the Leader of the Council has been consulted and supports the proposed appointment.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 The County Council not being represented, which would lead to a loss of influence in this area of policy.

4. Conflicts of interests declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - None

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - none.

6. Reasons for the matter being dealt with as urgent - not applicable.

8bR640208

Approved by: Date: 26 February 2008

Councillor M J Kendal

Executive Member for Environment