New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

NFNPA 408/12 NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

AUTHORITY MEETING – 28 JUNE 2012

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

Report by: Alison Barnes, Chief Executive

Summary: This report covers the period since the Authority meeting on 28 March 2012. The report has been formatted to accord with the ‘Protect, Enjoy, Prosper and Aiming for Excellence’ themes from the 2011-15 Business Plan, summarised below:

Protect Enjoy Prosper

Our priorities: Our priorities: Our priorities:

. Enhancing the Forest’s . Enabling high quality . Supporting a distinctive landscapes and experiences of the local economy habitats National Park . Improving affordable . Achieving excellence in . Improving understanding housing provision development and of the special qualities of planning the National Park . Promoting sustainable transport . Conserving strong local . Agreeing positive distinctiveness and the recreation management . Encouraging character of the historic sustainable living environment . Leading on education about the New Forest . Encouraging environmentally sustainable land management Aiming for Excellence

In all we do: . seeking to provide the highest quality of service . working closely with others in championing the Forest . achieving an efficient and high performing organisation

Recommendation: To note the report

Contact: Alison Barnes Tel: 01590 646633, Email: [email protected]

Equality & Diversity Implications: There are no equality or diversity implications arising directly from this report.

New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

NFNPA 408/12 NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

AUTHORITY MEETING – 28 JUNE 2012

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

Report by: Alison Barnes, Chief Executive

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

At the end of the first quarter of the year, teams are forging ahead with delivery our Protect, Enjoy, Prosper and Aiming for Excellence programmes.

The New Forest landscape and habitats are the focus of two new innovative projects one looking at the 1,000 ponds of the New Forest, another focussing on improving the water catchment areas of the National Park. A new wildlife partnership is also taking shape and thinking about how we work together across the landscape – partners are keen to find ways of connecting habitats for the benefit of wildlife and reinforcing the all important links between nature, our communities and economy. The New Forest HLS Board held its AGM, with reports on progress with the scheme and showing of some inspiring films on the achievements secured for the open Forest, these films will be made available on the Authority’s website once they have been converted to a web format.

The last few months has seen some important plans come to fruition; we have supported Parishes in identifying features that are locally distinctive and measures to keep them special. I am pleased that both the Village Design Statement for Hyde and that the action plan for the Western Escarpment Conservation Area is coming to you for adoption today, both promise to help secure what is special about these areas for the future. In addition, the draft Supplementary Planning Document on development standards is currently out for consultation, aiming to provide further guidance to compliment the Core Strategy on issues such as delivering affordable housing and mitigating the impacts of development on protected habitats within the New Forest.

There has been a high level of liaison with a range of partners through consultations, including the Christchurch and East Dorset Core Strategy and the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan and also through events aiming to build strong relationships for delivery. A real highlight was a joint event with the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), hosted by the Bisterne Estate, where National Park officers and Members has the opportunity to meet with a good number of representatives from local private estates, exchanging ideas for joint working into the future. Working together with NFDC, we also had an excellent business breakfast with the New Forest Business Partnership, with opportunity for networking and discussion on how to champion the New Forest together across Hampshire and beyond.

The visitor and events season is in full swing with our flagship wildlife event or ‘Bioblitz’ attracting 350 attendees. The region’s top species experts were on hand to identify finds and bring the New Forest’s landscape to life for young and old, so far recording over 450 species. An impressive 6,400 students have had contact with our two education officers since the last report, learning about the Forest’s history and how they can play a part in caring for the landscape. Preparations for the Olympics were given a boost by our work with NFDC to exhibit some inspiring photos depicting New Forest Heroes training in the Forest; we hope that as the torch passes through in the next few weeks more will be inspired by the amazing local landscape and take the opportunity to enjoy the Forest, to learn about what makes it special and how to keep it that way.

DELIVERY OF NATIONAL PARK PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS

The report has been formatted to accord with the ‘Protect, Enjoy, Prosper’ objectives from the new 2 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

Business Plan, a summary of which is set out on the previous page.

In addition, a fourth section, ‘Aiming for Excellence’, summarises those activities that support and contribute overall to all our work, and the final section lists Members’ activities and events.

1 Protect

1.1 Enhancing the Forest’s landscapes and habitats

Natural Environment White Paper

. As part of the ‘Growing the Forest’ wildlife partnership, the Authority has continued to work on funding bids for projects (Community Wildlife and Better Boundaries) which will provide support to communities and land managers to map wildlife and implement actions to link habitats. The Community Wildlife Plans project has now been approved for funding by the New Forest LEADER appraisal panel, so we are just waiting for final confirmation from Defra and a contract and then we can move forward with this project. The Authority’s work with Pond Conservation to develop a strategy for conserving the Forest’s special ponds using a landscape scale approach has continued.

Water catchment plan for the New Forest

. Work has started on the New Forest catchment pilot project. Jim Whatley started work with the Authority, taking up the post to coordinate this innovative national pilot which seeks to engage stakeholders in developing a catchment vision and action plan for the water bodies of the New Forest.

‘New Forest remembers - untold stories of World War II’

. The Heritage Lottery funded project is now underway with James Brown managing and education and outreach being led by Gareth Owen started in late January. Work has been progressing on setting up the framework for volunteer involvement and setting out the criteria for assessing sites.

New Forest Higher Level Stewardship Scheme use of Lidar

. The Heritage HLS Mapping and Data Officer post was reappointed and Tom Dommett returned to the Authority in April (previously having worked with us as an archaeological bursary placement). Tom has been establishing a detailed work programme and has continued to provide enhanced data to inform stream and mire restoration projects for the Crown Land Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.

1.2 Achieve excellence in development and planning

Minerals and Waste

. The Examination hearing sessions for the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan (covering the whole of the National Park, including the small area within Wiltshire) took place in Winchester between 6 – 8 June and 12 – 15 June. As one of the five partner planning authorities, the National Park Authority has been involved in these sessions and further information can be found on the separate agenda item on this Plan.

Development Control

. Development Control has received 192 applications since 1 April and has approved 81% of the applications determined since this date. The team continues to meet the targets in terms 3 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

of timeliness of decisions. Over 92% of the applications determined were delegated decisions.

. The Development Control Team has had an excellent start to the financial year with eight appeal decisions having been received of which seven were dismissed and one received a split decision (with the inspector effectively dismissing the element that the Authority were concerned about). The dismissal of the appeals relating to Pound Bottom were particularly pleasing. In addition, the Authority also won full costs against the applicant in relation to an appeal in Winsor.

. The Authority’s Planning Development Control Committee approved for the purposes of public consultation the draft Development Standards Supplementary Planning Document in May 2012. The production of this document fulfils a commitment within the Authority’s adopted Core Strategy and provides further guidance to supplement the planning policies in the Core Strategy. As well as setting out the required standards for sustainable construction, car parking and open space provision associated with new development; the draft document provides further guidance on the delivery of affordable housing and mitigating the impacts of development on protected habitats within the New Forest. The six week public consultation on this draft document runs until mid July and members will be presented with a final version of the document at the September Authority meeting.

National Planning Policy Framework

. Following publication of the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) at the end of March, the Policy team are finalising the assessment of the compatibility of the Core Strategy with the new Framework. The initial conclusion is that there are no areas of major conflict between the new national Framework and the Authority’s local policies.

External liaison and consultation

. The Policy team has continued to liaise with neighbouring planning authorities in the development of their policies and plans to ensure they have regard to potential impacts on the adjacent National Park. Officers met with Christchurch Borough Council and Council in April to discuss cross boundary issues. The Authority formally responded to the public consultation on the draft Christchurch and East Dorset Core Strategy in June, focusing on the development proposals at Bournemouth Airport and the proposed development of 850 dwellings north of Christchurch on land adjoining the National Park.

1.3 Conserving strong local distinctiveness

Conservation Area Action Plan for the Western Escarpment Conservation Area

. The draft Conservation Area Action Plan for the Western Escarpment Conservation Area was completed by the Steering Group following public consultation and is reported to this meeting of the Authority for endorsement. This is the first conservation area action plan the Authority has worked on and it is hoped that it will lead the way for subsequent conservation area action plans within the National Park. The Steering Group will now be supported in getting prioritised actions underway. An evaluation of the project and lessons learnt from preparing this first action plan will guide future work for other conservation areas.

Village Design Statements

. A first meeting took place with representatives from Boldre Parish on the development of their Village Design Statement. Some excellent background and development work has already been undertaken by the group.

4 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

. The six week public consultation into the draft Hyde Village Design Statement ran until the end of April 2012. Following the end of the public consultation period, the responses received have all been reviewed by Authority officers and representatives of the local community and this is set out in more detail on a separate agenda item.

Identifying and monitoring landscape features

. A fixed point photography project is being developed with examples from other protected landscapes being studied to see if they might be applied to the New Forest. The purpose is to have a record of different types of landscapes so that any changes can be monitored in the future. It is intended that the project would run for many years, if not decades, so that changes to villages, open Forest, woodlands, plantations and the enclosed landscape can be monitored, aiding conservation and enhancement of the landscape into the future, and providing an important State of the Park Indicator.

1.4 Encouraging environmentally sustainable land management

Land Advice Service

. Georgie Watson joined the Land Advice Service to replace Mark Larter who has now returned to Natural England. During the summer Georgie and Julie Stubbs are focusing on undertaking vegetation surveys on the Crown Lands as part of the HLS programme, while Rhys Morgan is working with a number of landowners advising on entering into agri- environment schemes.

Trees

. Between 1 March and 31 May, 108 new tree works applications were received and 112 tree work decisions were issued during this same period.

. 6 new Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) were made during this period.

. An updated British Standard (5837) for assessing and protecting trees on development sites and new Tree Preservation Order Regulations which came into force. Officers have incorporated these changes as part of routine procedures and information about them is available on the Authority’s website.

2 Enjoy

2.1 Enabling high quality experiences of the National Park

Visitor facilities

. We worked with the New Forest Centre to provide training for the new volunteer staff for Tourist Information Centre, part of St Barbe Museum. The two sessions were based on our successful ‘front of house’ support days and cover who does what in the Forest, frequently asked questions and the importance of commoning. New Forest Inclusive Cycling . Interest in the project continues to grow with at least 15 sessions planned for 12/13. We are working with a range of local groups and schools to deliver high quality cycling experiences for young people with a range of disabilities and/or additional needs.

. Due to the temporary closure of the cycle network at Blackwater, sessions are currently making use of the cycle network on Beaulieu Heath. This provides a very different cycling experience which has been well received by participants.

5 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

2.2 Improving understanding of the special qualities

Rangers

. Having had a very large amount of applicants we were pleased to appoint Chris Swatridge as our new North Area ranger following Andy Brennan’s move to full time Sustainable Development Officer. Chris has hit the ground running and already introduced himself to the Parish Councils, run education sessions and been out with the mobile unit.

. Rangers have visited Tatchbury Mount and are in discussions with David Harrison as to ways in which we can support improvements for wildlife, access and service user engagement on an area of land within the site. A follow up meeting is planned with rangers, Land Advice Service and Naomi Ewald from Pond Conservation to further ideas.

. Working with Forestry Commission and the National Trust, rangers have organised 15 ground nesting bird roadshows across car parks in the National Park near sensitive breeding sites. Their aim has been to increase users understanding of factors affecting disturbance to heathland bird species and offer advice for responsible use of the Forest.

. The mobile unit was out as many days as the weather allowed during the Jubilee Bank Holiday and half term. Visits included Copythorne Jubilee Fair, Tiptoe Green Trust fete, Longdown Activity Farm and the New Forest Centre Discovery Day.

Events and outreach

. The 2012 New Forest National Park Bioblitz was blessed with warm and sunny weather, and the 24 hour wildlife marathon managed to record over 430 species (total still rising). Around 350 members of the public and school children assisted National Park Authority staff and keen naturalists and recorders in surveying many of the different habitats the New Forest has to offer. The event successfully highlighted the importance of the New Forest’s biodiversity, as well as being part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme of events: species recorded will go towards a national total aiming for 2,012 species recorded at events over the summer.

Volunteers

. The New Forest Remembers WWII Project has recruited over 150 volunteers to join the project staff in conducting archaeological survey, oral history recording and education and outreach. Volunteers are being trained in order to get involved in the different aspects of the project. 13 volunteers recently took part in an Oral History Team training day run by Gareth. They got to grips with the latest in digital “broadcast quality” recording equipment and were also introduced to the techniques and ethics of oral history interviewing. They will soon be out and about interviewing contributors to the project. Nine volunteers also joined Gareth at public events including Trucks and Troops and the RAF Ibsley Revival event. There they promoted the aims and objectives of the project, recruited more volunteers and also registered a few more contributors and their memories.

. In April six New Forest Community Champions and about 25 of their friends and family attended an event which marked the end of the three year Mosaic project in the New Forest. The day included time at Pondhead Inclosure, the New Forest Centre and Blackwater Arboretum. We learnt about the Forest’s history, wildlife, coppicing and charcoal burning, and about good places to promote to potential visitors. The sight of people enjoying Bolywood Dancing amongst the trees was one of the highlights. The Community Champions are now being registered as volunteers for the National Park Authority so that they can continue to ‘fly the National Park flag’ amongst their friends and colleagues. 6 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

Media

. Advertisements for the rear of the New Forest Tour bus have been created with a striking animal accident advert. ‘Changing Coast’ interpretation panels have been designed and will be installed at Tanners Lane, and Hurst Spit.

. Press releases have been issued on the NPA’s new members; the Bioblitz wildlife event; consultation on the standards for new developments Supplementary Planning Document; the dangers of Chinese lanterns; animal accidents; new Access Forum members; New Forest Marque members shortlisted for the Hampshire Life Awards; the new season of the NF Tour; additional Local Information Points being launched.

. The spring/summer issue of Park life newspaper was distributed within the free weekly New Forest Post (readership 55,500). An additional 10,000 copies were printed (double the previous issue) to distribute at businesses and community outlets around the Forest and during the busy visitor season, including the New Forest Show. We trialled selling advertising space and generated £1,500 in revenue to help cover the costs. Ad space in the next issue is already filling up with advertisers proactively asking to take space, demonstrating it is a product which they see the value of and are keen to support.

. The Torch Relay’s visit to the New Forest on 14 July is approaching. We have been liaising with NFDC and other organisations to help with dressing the route, emergency planning, stewarding, traffic management etc. Information for businesses and residents on each section of the route can be found here: http://www.newforest.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=12246. It is worth noting that the torch is only in ‘torch mode’ for certain sections of the route and is in ‘convoy mode’ (ie in the van so it will not be visible) the rest of the time. Web pages on London 2012 information relating to the New Forest have been created at http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/living-in/london2012

. With 100 days to go to the London 2012 opening ceremony, on 18 April the New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest District Council launched an exhibition of photographs of New Forest elite and up-and-coming talented athletes.

. The striking series of images captures the athletes practising their sport in the iconic New Forest landscape.

. The exhibition, which is touring venues around the New Forest between now and the end of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in September, showcases the National Park landscape, encourages people to back their local heroes and inspires people of all ages to get involved in sport.

. With stories of their road to London 2012 in an accompanying booklet, the athletes have spoken about how they started out in their sport and their links to the New Forest.

2.3 Agreeing positive recreation management

Practical recreation projects

. The ranger team is continuing to develop projects with local communities which enhance conservation and improve access within their local area. New projects include a partnership project between Junior School Governors, Parents, and Fordingbridge Footpath Society, HCC and the National Park Authority to improve safety on Footpath 84 in Fordingbridge.

7 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

Dog fouling research

. Rangers from the National Park Authority and Forestry Commission have been working in partnership to investigate factors affecting dog fouling on Crown Land. The effects of four management approaches including displaying posters and face to face contact with dog walkers are being surveyed during a year long research project.

Enabling high quality experiences

. Members of the New Forest Access Forum have now been appointed for the next three year term. Many of the existing members have stayed on for another term, but the Forum has four new members: Alison Russell representing Equestrian interests, Ben Rayner (Wildlife and Nature Conservation), Heather Gould (Dog Walking) and Bobbie Lawrence (Local Business). Thanks are due to John Cropp, John Durnell, John Pemberton, Graham Bland and Wendy Hughes who have all stepped down this time.

. The Forum met on Monday June 11th. The Forum set up new sub-groups to formulate a response to the current Defra consultation on rights of way, and to look at the implementation of Hampshire County Council's Countryside Access Plan. Members also discussed what they thought the priorities for the RMS Working Group's work should be, and agreed to write to Town Council, which has recently been dealing with some contentious issues, to offer the service of the Forum in offering knowledgeable and balanced advice on access issues.

. The South Wiltshire Area Board has identified footpath improvements as being both a high priority and something that is achievable in its area. The Countryside Access Officer met with Area Board representatives to discuss the potential for projects and how the Authority will be able to help.

. The Paths for Communities grant mentioned at the last Authority meeting is now open to applications. Applications must be from community partnerships, must include at least one route with new or higher access rights for the public, and must be able to demonstrate local economic benefits. Grants can be made for between £5,000 and £150,000 - there is a total of £2 million available in the next two years. Whilst the grant conditions mean that the Authority is unable to put in an application itself, it is keen to support any bids put forward, and would welcome discussion with any organisation that is considering making an application.

Agreeing positive recreation management

. The RMS Working Group's presentment to the Verderers asking for support for a trial permitting cycling on two additional tracks in order to improve the connectivity of the Crown lands cycle route network was refused at the closed session of the April Verderers Court. The proposed trial included both monitoring of the impacts of permitting cycling on the routes, and the establishment of volunteer "Community Cycle Champions" to guide any off- network cyclists back onto the permitted routes, but the Verderers said that they would not be minded to approve any formal request to extend the cycle network – however, they encouraged the Working Group to undertake monitoring and to pursue the Cycle Champions suggestion.

. At its meeting on 14 June the Working Group discussed terms of reference, future work priorities and a request from Hampshire Cycling to join the Group, as well as receiving updates from the Core Routes and Research sub-groups.

8 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

2.4 Leading on education about the New Forest

Education work

. The Queen’s Jubilee provided the inspiration for a new and popular school session, devised in conjunction with New Forest Marque, based on the idea of “The Queen’s Larder”. This session, the new Litter Assembly and the very successful Greener Living Schools Day have enabled the Education team to work with 10 new education establishments since April, including 5 of the 8 secondary schools in the national park. During this very busy period the team has worked with a total of 6,400 students, 5000 of which received this year’s Litter Assembly.

. The first tranche of the Travel Grant Scheme was allocated within days of its release, with 19 schools securing support with the cost of transport to education providers in the national park.

Educational campaigns

. Recently there were no road traffic accidents involving commoners’ animals for record five consecutive weeks. However, the Animal Accident Reduction Group is still working hard to combat this difficult issue. Options are being drawn up for revised signage in the north of the Forest which had a greater share of accidents in 2011 and one of the New Forest Tour busses which will travel along the B3078 every other hour through the summer will have a striking ‘advert’ on the back warning people that ‘ponies don’t dent, they die’.

. Members of the Dogs Forum are working on an updated code of conduct for dog walking across the whole of the New Forest, together with a range of measures to encourage dog owners to abide by this code. The Forum is proving to be a good sounding board for developing common messages which can be conveyed by all the key organisations within the National Park.

3 Prosper 3.1 Supporting a distinctive local economy

Our Land

. We’ve welcomed Paul McDaid as the externally funded Our Land Project Officer. Paul is well experienced in sustainable tourism having worked at New Forest District Council in the tourism service. This has allowed Paul to hit the ground running and there are now over 50 New Forest businesses signed up to www.our-land.co.uk, which have generated an estimated 1000 bed nights.

. A number of businesses are reporting encouraging numbers of enquiries generated by the site and more formal monitoring will take place over the coming months.

. Training for participating businesses is currently being arranged for several summer dates. Training will focus on improving businesses appreciation of landscape, community and environment.

Landowner and Business Liaison

. The Authority and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) co-hosted a networking event on 22 May on the Bisterne Estate to foster productive working relationship between landowners and the Authority. The event was attended by a number of the major estates within the National Park and following the positive meeting it is hoped the links can 9 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

be maintained and strengthened in the future.

. The Authority, New Forest District Council and the New Forest Business Partnership also arranged a business breakfast in Lyndhurst on 14 June where around 40 delegates from the local business community attended to discuss the work of the Authority in supporting local business. The meeting also covered recent changes in national planning policy and what this means for planning within the New Forest National Park and surrounding district.

Funding

. Over the past two months the Authority has provided funding advice to a range of organisations including the New Forest Trust, Whiteparish Memorial Hall Committee, Avon Tyrell and Ashlett Mill.

New Forest Produce Ltd

. The 2012 issue of the New Forest Marque Directory has been produced and is proving to be particularly popular with the general public – especially the ‘Where to Eat’ section.

. A further six businesses have joined the New Forest Marque during April and May; Cobleywood Farm (producers of lambs, goats and pigs), The Filly Inn, New Forest Bellows, Old Farmhouse Tearooms, Parkside Produce (jam producer) and Ringwood Brewery.

Rural Broadband

. As well as continuing to support Hampshire County Council’s superfast broadband project, the NPA is also working closely with four parishes who are planning to submit a bid to the Rural Community Broadband Fund.

3.2 Improving affordable housing provision

. The Authority continues to be an active member of the Hampshire Alliance for Affordable Housing (HARAH). The proposed criteria for the release of the affordable housing contributions that have been collected by the Authority have been included within the consultation draft Development Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The potential allocation of affordable housing contributions has been raised with Hyde Housing Association as the Registered Social Provider for rural exceptions sites in the majority of the National Park.

3.3 Promoting sustainable transport

Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) Bid

. A decision from the Department for Transport is awaited on the outcome of the £3.9M LSTF bid submitted by Hampshire County Council in February 2012, covering both the New Forest and South Downs National Parks. The bid is one of 18 bids remaining bids which are awaiting an outcome; a decision is expected at the end of June.

New Forest Tour

. The New Forest Tour commences its 2012 operation on 30 June, with both red and green routes running for 79 consecutive days through to 16 September. With a total of 316 bus days, the 2012 operation is the most ambitious and comprehensive to date.

10 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

. Routes are largely unchanged over 2011, the only major change being that red route buses will pass through Fordingbridge Town Centre for the first time. This will offer opportunities for Fordingbridge residents and businesses and is sure to appeal to New Forest Tour customers, the views from the ‘Great Bridge’ will add to what is an already memorable experience.

. The marketing campaign is now in full flow, using both traditional channels such as leaflets and posters, and social media including Facebook and Twitter. We are working closely with members of the New Forest Tourism Association in order to reach as many potential customers as possible.

Full details at www.thenewforesttour.info

3.4 Encouraging sustainable living

Sustainable Development Fund

. Since the last report, six projects have been approved funding from the SDF:

New Forest Transition – School and Community Energy Project (£38,499 over two years) New Forest Produce – Touring ‘Tasting Stand’ (£26,473 over two years) Tiptoe Primary School - Forest School Project (£2,400) Oaks CE Learning Federation – Forest School (£4,339) Forestry Commission – Feasibility study into biomass district heating system (£3,000) New Forest Agricultural Show Society – rainwater harvesting system (£5,160)

4 Aiming for Excellence

4.1 Business Services

. The Business Services team:

o provides ongoing support to members and meetings of the Authority and its Committees, including all forums, panels and group meetings, and acts as the Secretariat to the New Forest Consultative Panel and New Forest Access Forum. The team provided support to the Consultative Panel meeting on 3 May, the Scrutiny Panel meeting on 24 May, the Resources and Performance Committee meeting and members briefing on 11 June and the NF Access Forum meeting on the same day.

o provides administrative support across the Authority and liaises with relevant officers and organisations in connection with internal audit, procurement, facilities management, insurance and general office management. The team has just completed favourable negotiations for the Authority’s insurance requirements for the year and assists NFDC’s internal audit section with processing the NPA’s audit plan.

o provides administrative support to the NPA’s on-line shop including stock control and dispatch.

o monitors and assists in responding to requests for information made under the Freedom of Information Act, the Environmental Information Regulations and the Data Protection Act, as well as administering responses to procedural complaints.

. Other areas of work which Business Services has been involved in are around the appointment and induction of the two new NPA members, supporting the SDF publicity initiative, and a range of issues and advice surrounding compliance with the requirements of

11 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

the Localism Act. The Section also made arrangements for the planning committee tour on 26 April which was also attended by members from Dartmoor and Exmoor NPAs as well as a members day with the Forestry Commission on Deer Management. Business Services have set in place a comprehensive consultations log for monitoring all consultations received by the NPA which information would also be made available to the New Forest Consultative Panel for their perusal and response on selected consultations via the NPA.

4.2 ICT

. The ICT (including GIS) team has experienced some considerable staffing changes recently. We have successfully recruited Zoe Caals to fill the GIS Support Administrator post, but we will be taking this opportunity to review the technical support requirements for the Authority before proceeding with any further recruitment. NFDC will continue to offer additional resources in the interim as required.

. As part of a review of the Authority’s Business Continuity arrangements, we will be looking at ways to consolidate the Authority’s current data backup arrangements in an effort to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

4.3 GIS

. It’s been a busy period and despite extra demand for general ICT cover, significant progress has been made this month in key projects.

. The new intranet GIS product ishareGIS now branded New Forest GIS has been launched to staff and training workshops start on 12 June. We are keen to push this as an excellent way of access data and maps for the majority of staff. Andrew has also attended the ishare user group meeting which is a useful meeting that will help going forwards with use of the products.

. We are nearing completion of a selection process of mobile GIS survey technology primarily for the New Forest Remember volunteers, and this will be available across the Authority for other projects.

4.4 Human Resources

. As at 31 May 2012 there are 63 members of staff or 57.24 full-time equivalents (excluding externally funded posts), of whom 17 are part-time and 5 are on a fixed-term contract.

. Welcome to the following staff who have joined the Authority in the last couple of months on fixed-term contracts:

o Paul McDaid – Sustainable Tourism Project Officer (Our Land) o Tom Dommett – Heritage Mapping and Data Officer o Georgianna Watson – New Forest Land Advice Service Advisor o Chris Swatridge – Ranger o Jim Whatley – Project Officer (New Forest Catchment Pilot) o Jim Mitchell – Project Delivery Manager (to commence on 9 July 2012)

We wish them every success in their new roles.

. In the last two months we said goodbye to Claire Gingell (Interim Project Delivery Manager), Rebecca Cooper (GIS Support Administrator) and to Nicola Williams (ICT Systems Developer). We wish them the very best in their new jobs.

. Recruitment is in progress for three vacancies:

12 New Forest National Park Authority Meeting NFNPA 408/12 28 June 2012 Chief Executive’s Report

o GIS Support Administrator – fixed-term until May 2013 o Business Support Officer – internal vacancy to cover maternity leave o Interpretation Officer – the Authority is currently exploring options towards filling this post

5 Members

5.1 Some members were involved in some or all of the following meetings and events:

. Planning Committee briefing, 16 April . Planning Development Control Committee meeting, 17 April . Members’ day, 26 April . Consultative Panel meeting, 3 May . Standards Committee meeting, 8 May . Planning Committee briefing, 14 May . Planning Development Control Committee meeting, 15 May . Members’ day, 24 May . New Forest Access Forum, 11 June . Resources and Performance Committee meeting, 11 June . Planning Committee briefing, 18 June . Planning Development Control Committee meeting, 19 June . NPA annual meeting, 28 June

5.2 Forthcoming activities include:

. Planning Development Control Committee meeting, 17 July . Sustainable Development Fund Panel meeting, 19 July . North East Quadrant meeting, 23 July . New Forest Show, 24-26 July . South West Quadrant meeting, 30 July . Planning Development Control Committee meeting, 21 August . Members’ Day, 30 August . New Forest Access Forum, 3 September . New Forest Consultative Panel, 6 September . Resources, Audit and Performance Committee meeting, 10 September . Planning Development Control Committee meeting, 18 September . Sustainable Development Fund Panel meeting, 20 September

6 Recommendation

To note the report.

13