As a member of the Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership, we are working together with other local authorities and conservation bodies to protect the thousands of birds that spend the winter along the coast through the Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy.

The Solent is internationally important for its over-wintering birds, with 90,000 waders and more than 10 per cent of the world's Brent Geese. Many of these waders and wildfowl fly thousands of miles to spend the winter here and must be able to feed undisturbed to build up enough energy reserves to survive the winter and complete their migratory journey back to their breeding grounds. In recognition of its importance the coast and adjoining estuaries have been designated Special Protection Areas (SPAS).

The Solent is also renowned for its coastal walks and other recreational opportunities. Millions of people visit each year, and planned new housing is set to increase that figure. People who are walking along the shore can, often unintentionally, disturb the birds especially dog walkers. So local authorities and conservation bodies are working together through the Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership to prevent that disturbance.

Under the Strategy, all residential development within 5.6km of the SPAs resulting in a net increase in dwellings will be asked to make a contribution towards mitigation projects in the Strategy. Through funding from developers in association with planning permissions for new housing, the Partnership has already established a team of rangers who will talk to visitors to the coast in the county about how to enjoy a walk without disturbing the birds who are spending winter along our shores.

Further information on the Strategy and how contributions can be made, can be found in the guidance note to applicants below. The Interim Mitigation Strategy (December 2014) and the terms of reference of the Partnership can be viewed on the Partnership's website using the following link:  www.birdaware.org

Please be aware that level of developer contribution to the Bird Aware Partnership is reviewed each February in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) and rounded up to the nearest pound.  Any applications decided after the 1 April 2024 will be charged the following.

The latest RPI figure has been published and is 4.9%, so from the 1^st April the developer contribution levels will need to be:

• 1 bedroom property £465
• 2 bedroom property £671
• 3 bedroom property £875
• 4 bedroom property £1029
• 5 bedroom property £1207
• Flat Rate £777 (usually used in cases of caravans, tents or gypsy and traveller sites)

If you wish to make a payment for the Solent Recreation Mitigation Payment, and upload the form for your Planning Officer  you can do this via our online form. Before starting this form please print out and sign the Upfront Solent Recreation Mitigation payment form.

Please be aware that level of developer contribution to the Bird Aware Partnership is reviewed each February in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) and rounded up to the nearest pound.  Any applications decided after the 1 April 2023 will be charged the following.

The latest RPI figure has been published and is 13.4%, so from the 1^st April the developer contribution levels will need to be:

• 1 bedroom property £443
• 2 bedroom property £639
• 3 bedroom property £834
• 4 bedroom property £980
• 5 bedroom property £1150
• Flat Rate £740 (usually used in cases of caravans, tents or gypsy and traveller sites)

If you wish to make a payment for the Solent Recreation Mitigation Payment, and upload the form for your Planning Officer  you can do this via our online form. Before starting this form please print out and sign the Upfront Solent Recreation Mitigation payment form.

Please be aware that level of developer contribution to the Bird Aware Partnership is reviewed each February in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) and rounded up to the nearest pound.  Any applications decided after the 1 April 2022 will be charged the following.

The latest RPI figure has been published and is 7.8%, so from the 1 April the developer contribution levels will need to be:

• 1 bedroom property £390
• 2 bedroom property £563
• 3 bedroom property £735
• 4 bedroom property £864
• 5 bedroom property £1014
• Flat Rate £652 (usually used in cases of caravans, tents or gypsy and traveller sites)

The latest RPI figure has been published and is 1.4%, so from the 1 April the developer contribution levels will need to be:

• 1 bedroom property £361
• 2 bedroom property £522
• 3 bedroom property £681
• 4 bedroom property £801
• 5 bedroom property £940
• Flat Rate (unknown bedroom numbers)  £604

If you wish to make a payment for the Solent Recreation Mitigation Payment, and upload the form for your Planning Officer  you can do this via our online form. Before starting this form please print out and sign the Upfront Solent Recreation Mitigation payment form.

Payments due for planning applications decided after 1 April 2020.  Will be as follows, following the latest RPI figure has been published and is 2.7%,

The latest RPI figure has been published and is 2.7%, so from 1 April the developer contribution levels will need to be:

• 1 bedroom property £356
• 2 bedroom property £514
• 3 bedroom property £671
• 4 bedroom property £789
• 5 bedroom property £927
• Flat Rate (unknown bedroom numbers) £595

If you wish to make a payment for the Solent Recreation Mitigation Payment, and upload the form for your Planning Officer  you can do this via our online form. Before starting this form please print out and sign the Upfront Solent Recreation Mitigation payment form.

Payments due for planning applications decided after 1 April 2019.  Will be as follows, following the

the latest RPI figure has been published and is 2.5%, so from 1 April the developer contribution levels will need to be:

• 1 bedroom property - £346
• 2 bedroom property - £500
• 3 bedroom property - £653
• 4 bedroom property - £768
• 5 bedroom property - £902

If you wish to make a payment for the Solent Recreation Mitigation Payment, and upload the form for your Planning Officer  you can do this via our online form. Before starting this form please print out and sign the Upfront Solent Recreation Mitigation payment form.