Christchurch, Eco & Environment | Posted on October 1st, 2026 | return to news

Environmental plans for Christchurch Harbour

Land at Cabot Lane, Poole is to be sold to Wessex Water to obtain funding for a new harbour protection framework.

The concerns of clubs, societies, businesses, ward councillors and organisations about the water quality in Christchurch Harbour are to be addressed by Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole (BCP) Council.

More than 500 residents attended the Action for Christchurch Harbour and Waterways public meeting in September, organised by the council.

The authority is to write to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in support of community efforts to designate Christchurch Harbour as a bathing area for activities beyond swimming.

Designation would require the Environment Agency to monitor water quality each year during the summer months.

Cabinet confirmed that an investment of £28,000 from the council will fund the production of a new harbour protection framework, which will be produced by the Dorset Coast Forum and guide the current and future management of the Harbour for stakeholders and the community.

This funding will be drawn from the disposal of land at Cabot Lane in Poole, already earmarked for sale to Wessex Water, who have significant plans to improve water treatment across the South West using this site.

BCP Council’s Planning team will also work on the development of a specific policy in the Local Plan, designed to improve the water environment across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, but which will explicitly mention Christchurch Harbour.

BCP Council’s Local Plan will go out for public consultation later this year.

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “Christchurch Harbour is one of our area’s most valued natural environments and now is the right time to harness both the strength of feeling and action shown in the community and invest in the harbour for residents and future generations.

“These commitments are a significant step forward in developing a coordinated approach to this important work and we’ll continue to show leadership on this vital issue as we work alongside our community.”

Further updates on the development of the Christchurch Harbour Protection Framework and related policy work will be provided as work progresses.