Public Consultation
Consultation on the Local Biodiversity Acton Plan for Fareham
Effective long term conservation of biodiversity will require the involvement of all sectors of society. It is important therefore, that a range of different organisations and individuals contribute towards the production of the LBAP.
It was considered impractical to form a biodiversity partnership. Instead there was an initial consultation with a range of wildlife organisations which sought support for the production of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Fareham and started the data gathering process. In addition, a display, supported by a short questionnaire, was sent to libraries in the borough to enable members of the public to contribute to the process.
Following this initial consultation a draft LBAP was produced. This plan was considered by the Fareham Borough Council Planning and Transportation Overview Panel and approved for public consultation by the Fareham Borough Council Executive.
The response from the public to the initial consultation had been very limited. This was considered a problem because the plan needs to accurately reflect the interests and concerns of local people in order to secure their involvement in its implementation. To resolve this problem a more targeted consultation was undertaken which involved sending copies of the document to residents associations, schools, community groups and wildlife organisations. The plan was also placed on the council's website and a display was held in the Fareham Shopping Centre enabling individual members of the public to comment.
The response to this second consultation was very positive with 25 formal responses received.
Results of the consultation
The responses were very positive and there was unanimous support for the LBAP. The level of detail and range of issues raised indicate that those responding had taken time to consider the document thoroughly. It is felt that the variety of organisations submitting comments has given a balanced view of the LBAP.
A wide range of issues were raised which would provide many years work. It has not been possible to mention all of them in the LBAP but a list of those that were raised by more than one consultee has been included on pages 25 and 26. A response has been provided indicating how each issue will be addressed. These key issues have been ranked according to the number of times they were mentioned. This has given a clear indication of the priorities for future action. The top three issues, which will be addressed in the initial work programme, are:-
- the provision of more information;
- planning and development; and
- education and awareness.
Another important point that emerged strongly, particularly from the residents organisations, was that the plan was readable. This was important because the target audience for the LBAP is people with an interest in their local environment but little or no technical knowledge of wildlife or habitats. It was decided that, subject to some suggested improvements to the text, the document would remain in its current format. The additional information that a number of consultees suggested is required to enhance the LBAP will be provided as separate topic papers.
All the comments received will be retained and used as reference material when developing specific projects for the work plan.
The future
Biodiversity is not static and consequently the plan must also be able to adapt. Comments on the LBAP, work that has been undertaken or biodiversity in general will always be welcome.
We would like to thank the following organisations for their input into the Local Biodiversity Action Plan
- Burridge and Swanwick Residents Association
- Butterfly Conservation - Conservation officer and the SE Hampshire Group
- Catisfield Village Association
- English Nature
- Fareham Borough Council - Range of members and officers
- Fareham College
- Fareham Society
- Forestry Commission
- Hampshire County Council
- Hampshire Wildlife Trust
- Portchester Civic Society
- Titchfield Village Trust
- Wallington Village Community Association
- Warsash Residents
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