Policy ENV6: Biodiversity, Geodiversity and Nature Conservation

Policy ENV6:  Biodiversity, Geodiversity and Nature Conservation

1. Development proposals will avoid harm to biodiversity and/or geodiversity or, where that is proved not possible, be adequately mitigated so that it can be clearly demonstrated that:

1. There will be no adverse impact on local populations of key species including their nesting, roosting or shelter or other features that directly support their ecology; and
2. There will be no loss or deterioration of a key priority habitat type, including irreplaceable habitats, their supporting habitats or site fabric; and
3. There will be no adverse impact on the integrity of designated and proposed internationally, nationally or locally designated sites (including Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) and Local Nature Reserves (LNRs)), including sites that meet the SINC criteria but have not been designated; and
4. There will be retention of ecological connectivity and the integrity of linkages between designated sites and key habitats including within the wider Nature Recovery Network; and
5. Appropriate buffer zones can be achieved, where required, between the development proposals and important landscape features. Development proposals must demonstrate adequate protection zones and buffers around hedgerows and other woodland and trees to prevent damage to root systems. Future growth should also be taken into consideration. Where veteran trees or ancient woodlands are located within or adjacent to a development site, suitable information should be submitted setting out the location of all significant ancient woodland or veteran trees (a BS5837 Survey or any subsequent updates). A minimum buffer of 15 metres from the edge of the roots of the trees being assessed will be required between new development and ancient woodland unless specified otherwise by national policy.  For large-scale developments, larger buffers may be required to take account of other impacts, such as the creation of access routes and recreational impacts; and
6. The mitigation hierarchy has been followed.

The weight given to the protection of nature conservation interests will be proportionate to its international, national or local significance and any designation or protection applying to the site, habitat or species concerned.

2.  Applications for development must include adequate and proportionate information to enable a proper assessment of the implications for biodiversity and geodiversity.

3.  Where development proposals do not comply with the above (avoid, minimise, then restore) and it has been clearly demonstrated that there is no other satisfactory alternative, then as a last resort, compensation measures must be secured to offset the potential impacts on biodiversity in addition to achieving the required net gain.

4.  For proposals that directly and indirectly affect nationally protected sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and irreplaceable habitats, it must be demonstrated that the need for, and the benefits arising from the development, clearly outweigh the harm.  This approach will only be considered to be acceptable where exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated.  The need to achieve the required net gain will remain.

5.  Development proposals will be required to include proportionate measures to contribute to biodiversity improvement and help address the council’s declared Ecological Emergency through the creation, restoration, enhancement and management of habitats and ecological features, including measures that help link key habitats and assist the ecological potential of the site to adapt to climate change. Proposals should seek to provide environmental gains through the use of nature-based solutions and taking account of natural capital and the associated ecosystem services.

1. For qualifying development proposals, a measurable biodiversity net gain (using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric) of at least 10% will be required to be demonstrated, which shall be maintained for a minimum period of 30 years. This must be delivered within the site boundary wherever possible or, where agreed, on off-site land within the Borough within the applicant’s ownership or on land that supports strategic nature recovery initiatives, such as Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs), priorities within the Landscape and Biodiversity Strategy (and subsequent updates), or where identified by the Council as having ecological significance.
2. Where evidence exists of deliberate degradation of any of the habitats on a site prior to the application process, it will be assumed, for the purposes of calculating Biodiversity Net Gain, that the condition of the habitat concerned is the highest potential condition.  Where ecological data for the site exists and is accessible, which can confirm the habitats present and/or condition, this will be used as the baseline.

6. Approaches to secure measurable improvements could be achieved through:

1. Delivery within the following strategic nature recovery initiatives:

• Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs);
• Biodiversity Priority Areas (BPAs) of the River Loddon and River Test as identified in the council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy (and subsequent updates);
• Relevant River Catchment Management Plans within the Borough;
• Existing and forthcoming network opportunity mapping and Local Nature Recovery Networks; and
• Other local strategic projects identified by the council where appropriate;
• Priorities within the Landscape and Biodiversity Strategy (and subsequent updates).

2. On-site and/ or off-site provision linked to new development in accordance with the council’s adopted green space standards.

7. Where development is exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain, and where those developments will be making an impact on biodiversity, development proposals will be expected to provide measurable improvements.