The Biodiversity Planning Guidance was approved by cabinet on June 9, 2022.
It seeks to provide further clarification to Core Strategy Policy CS13. It has been prepared to assist anyone who is considering undertaking a development proposal in understanding how biodiversity loss can be avoided or mitigated on-site and where this is not possible compensated for offsite. As such it is a material consideration in decision making.
The guidance relates to impacts upon vegetative habitats only. It does not cover development impacts upon protected and notable species or provide guidance on wildlife legislation.
Applicants are required to submit a Biodiversity Impact Calculation in accordance with the local validation requirements, using a recognised tool and supported by plans and a survey methodology appropriate to that tool (e.g. Calculations using the DEFRA 4.0 metric or any subsequent version should be based on a UKHabs assessment.
Where there is a net loss requiring a biodiversity off setting payment the calculation must include the full cost of any offsetting.
Surveys should be undertaken and prepared by competent persons, with suitable qualifications and experience, at an appropriate time of year, in suitable conditions and using a nationally recognised methodology.
It is the role of the applicant to demonstrate how the development proposal will avoid biodiversity loss or be mitigated on site and where this is not possible compensated offsite. It is not the role of the local planning authority to identify or to provide suitable mitigation measures for the loss of biodiversity.
Further information can be found in the guidance can be found in the document below.
Last updated: Wed 20th September, 2023 @ 17:07