DISTRICT officials agreed to “note with interest” proposals that could result with Purbeck gaining national park designation.

Members of Purbeck District Council, who met at Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham, on August 9, considered a report outlining plans by the Dorset & East Devon National Park team.

This team submitted proposals to Natural England in 2013, and evaluations of these plans are currently being carried out by a number of Dorset councils – which is why it appeared before Purbeck councillors.

Members agreed to “note with interest the Dorset National Park proposal and the opportunities this could offer to keep Purbeck special; keep the proposals under review; and look forward to Natural England undertaking the next stage of its evaluation in 2018.”

It is too early for the district council to make a decision one way or the other, but councillors say they’re looking forward to Natural England’s next stage of the evaluation process.

Last summer, PDC heard a presentation by the national team, which led to the formation of a district council policy development panel.

This panel met four times before some panel members concluding national park designation would be beneficial for the area, particularly as national parks are entirely funded by central government and resources – such as conservation, enhancement and the promotion of recreation – are ring fenced.

Meanwhile, the overall bid to create a new national park in Dorset is gaining wider support. In May the Daily Echo reported that Chideock parish councillors, the Chideock Society and Beaminster Society had all backed the proposals.

Meanwhile, a Marine Conservation Society spokesman confirmed: “The Dorset coast is rich in biodiversity, and is just as special for its important heritage and use by local populations.

“We need to make people aware of its special nature both above and below the waves. The Marine Conservation Society supports the proposal to grant the area national park status, and we are pleased that the proposal is being considered in anticipation of plans being taken a step forward.”

It is hoped the park will cover the entire Isle of Purbeck and the Jurassic Coast from Exmouth to Poole Harbour, including the Dorset and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Natural England is likely to assess the proposal after August 2018. If it meets statutory criteria, it would likely go through a formal designation process that could take between five and ten years.

Visit dorsetnationalpark.com