Summary
Recommendations made on receipt of a complaint alleging failures by Natural England to follow statutory processes for the modification of a management scheme (also referred to as a ‘Site Management Statement’) at the Tournerbury Plantation, part of the Chichester Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Outcomes and additional information
Our assessment concluded that whilst the specific legal grounds raised did not indicate a failure to comply with the law, there were concerns around the weaknesses that were apparent within the site management statement at this location, and the lack of progress to improve management of the site.
Natural England confirmed to the OEP that it has taken prompt action following our recommendations and arrangements are being made to resolve the issues.