Wycombe - Chapter 10

The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

10.07 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) represent areas of high scenic quality, and, in landscape terms, are intended to enjoy equal status with National Parks. Unlike National Parks, however, the promotion of recreation is not an objective of AONB designation; the primary purpose of AONB designation is the conservation of the natural beauty of the landscape.

10.08 The Chilterns AONB was designated in 1964, and confirmed by the Government in 1965. A boundary review was confirmed in 1990. The Chilterns were designated as an AONB in order to conserve and enhance their distinctive landscape character and natural beauty. The Chilterns topography is the result of the tilting of the underlying chalk which has produced a steep north west facing escarpment overlooking the clay vales of Oxford and Aylesbury, and a South East facing dip slope which is dissected by valleys, most of which are dry. The Chilterns AONB has many scenic attractions, a rich diversity of wildlife habitats, and is particularly well known for its beech woodlands, which are a feature of the upper slopes of the valley’s escarpment. Man’s influence is also extensive and conservation of numerous and widespread archaeological and architectural features, as well as other traditional Chiltern features, is also very important. Some 23,000 Hectares of Wycombe District’s land area are within the Chilterns AONB, including both escarpment and dip slope, extensive areas of beech woodland, and some of the most precious and sensitive landscape features and wildlife sites within the whole AONB.

10.09 Government and Structure Plan policy requires that this special character is strongly protected, but that due regard is also had to the economic and social well-being of local communities. The Council will therefore consider all proposals for development within the Chilterns AONB very carefully, and will not permit any development that would harm its landscape qualities. To this end, development that is permitted will be required to be sympathetic to its surroundings.

10.10 Government and Structure Plan policy also requires that the AONB is protected rigorously against intense pressure for major development, which is more national than local in character. Such development should not take place in the AONB other than in exceptional circumstances, and must be demonstrated to be in the public interest. In accordance with the ministerial statement of 13 June 2000 which amends the guidance in PPG7, applications for major development will be subject to particularly rigorous examination, including: an assessment of the national need for the development, and the impact of permitting or refusing it on the local economy; the cost of and scope for developing elsewhere outside the area or meeting the need for it in some other way; and any detrimental effect on the environment and the landscape, and the extent to which that should be moderated. Externally generated demands for transport related development, mineral working and waste disposal will also be subject to rigorous examination.

10.11 Although the promotion of recreation is not an objective of AONB designation, AONBs still have an important role in meeting demand for recreation, as far as this is consistent with the conservation of landscape quality and the needs of existing rural uses and communities. The 1997 Chilterns Visitor Survey illustrated that the Chilterns AONB is a particularly popular area for informal recreation; the accommodation and management of this demand must be achieved in a sustainable way, and be balanced with the protection of the special qualities of the Chilterns landscape.

10.12 Policy L1 is intended to reflect this policy context, but the District Council also endorses the Countryside Commission’s 1991 policy statement (CCP 356) on AONBs, and, as a constituent member of the Chilterns AONB Shadow Conservation Board, also endorses the 2002 AONB Management Plan, the 1998 Environmental Guidelines for the Management of Roads in the AONB, and the 1991 A Plan for the Chilterns – Woodland Policy. The Council has adopted the 1999 Chilterns Buildings Design Guide as Supplementary Planning Guidance, and hopes to do the same with the emerging Farm Buildings Design Guide once it is completed.

POLICY L1

1. IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR ANY DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE CHILTERNS AONB, SPECIAL ATTENTION WILL BE PAID TO THE CONSERVATION OF ITS SCENIC BEAUTY AND TO ANY WILDLIFE INTEREST. DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IF IT IS LIKELY TO DAMAGE THE SPECIAL CHARACTER, APPEARANCE OR NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE LANDSCAPE OR THE FUTURE PUBLIC ENJOYMENT OF THE AREA.

2. WHERE OPERATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS ACCEPTABLE, IT SHOULD BE OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY; ITS DESIGN SHOULD BE IN SYMPATHY WITH THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE AND LOCALLY TRADITIONAL BUILDING STYLES.

3. MAJOR DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED EXCEPT WHERE IT IS PROVEN TO BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND WHERE NO SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE SITE IS AVAILABLE, EITHER WITHIN OR OUTSIDE WYCOMBE DISTRICT. SUCH PROPOSALS WILL BE ASSESSED HAVING REGARD TO:

a. THE NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, IN THE LIGHT OF NATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS AND THE IMPACT OF AN ADVERSE OR FAVOURABLE DECISION UPON THE LOCAL ECONOMY;

b. THE COST OF AND SCOPE FOR SUCH DEVELOPMENT ELSEWHERE OUTSIDE THE AONB OR FOR MEETING THE NEED FOR IT IN SOME OTHER WAY; AND

c. ANY DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH SUCH EFFECTS MAY BE AVOIDED OR MITIGATED.

4. DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED WHICH, ALTHOUGH NOT ITSELF LOCATED WITHIN THE AONB, WOULD HAVE A DEMONSTRABLY DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON ITS SPECIAL CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE.

Back to Top

Areas of Attractive Landscape and Local Landscape Areas

10.13 Areas of Attractive Landscape (AALs) are designated through the Structure Plan: their purpose is to identify and protect landscapes of County-wide, rather than national significance. They have a valuable role in conserving the local distinctiveness, character and quality of the countryside. Local Landscape Areas (LLAs) are defined by the District Council, and fulfil a similar role to AALs, albeit at a more local level: they are of great importance to the local landscape. There are two broad criteria used to define each landscape area: that the character of the area has a special quality, and that it is large enough to warrant identification. Wherever possible the boundaries of these areas are defined by permanent linear features such as roads or streams, or other appropriate natural features. The Areas of Attractive Landscape and Local Landscape Areas within Wycombe District are listed and described in Appendix 11, and identified on the Proposals Map.

10.14 The policy framework governing these designated areas is not as restrictive as that governing the nationally-designated AONB, but is still intended to protect and enhance the character and landscape quality of the areas. Policy L2 seeks to achieve this by managing necessary development appropriately, and resisting those proposals which would harm their special character.

POLICY L2

1. THE DISTRICT COUNCIL WILL EXPECT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WITHIN AALs AND LLAs TO PRESERVE THEIR INDIVIDUAL LANDSCAPE QUALITIES. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS THAT WOULD HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT UPON THEIR RECOGNISED CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.

2. THE INDIVIDUAL AREAS WHICH HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS POLICY ARE LISTED (AND LOCATED) IN APPENDIX 11 AND IDENTIFIED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP. THE REASONS FOR DESIGNATION INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

a. EXTENSIVE AREAS BETWEEN THE CHILTERNS AONB AND THE URBAN EDGE;

b. RIVERSIDE MEADOWS AND WOODED AREAS OVERLOOKING THE THAMES;

c. PROMINENT HILLSIDE AREAS OVERLOOKING THE RIVERS THAMES AND WYE;

d. SIGNIFICANT OPEN COUNTRYSIDE AREAS SEPARATING URBAN AREAS;

e. PROMINENT UNDEVELOPED HILLSIDES WITHIN OTHERWISE URBAN AREAS;

f. ENCLOSED LANDSCAPES THAT RETAIN A PRIMARILY RURAL CHARACTER.

Back to Top

Green Space

10.15 Green space is an essential component of the built environment in both urban and rural settlements, and its protection is a vital factor in achieving sustainable land use and development. Green space plays an important part in the aesthetic form and character of settlements, and contributes to amenity value. It also provides opportunities for formal and informal recreation, as well as for social interaction and community development. Green space also constitutes a valuable ecological resource, acts as a stepping stone for the movement of wildlife, and often sets the context for landscape features, which play an important role in the appearance of urban areas at a local level, and in the wider landscape. This is particularly important in the High Wycombe area because the topography exposes much of the developed area to extensive view.

10.16 In recognition of their importance to the built environment, areas of green space in urban areas have been designated throughout the District and are shown on the Proposals Map. They vary in character and size, with the minimum area for designation usually being 0.1 hectares, but all are important to the landscape or have a recreational and community value. Areas of open space with green space functions within rural settlements are similarly protected, but are not shown on the Proposals Map.

10.17 Proposals which would result in the loss, fragmentation or reduction in size of green spaces will be firmly resisted. Development within green space will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as where there is an overwhelming need for recreational facilities which cannot be accommodated elsewhere, or, in the case of school extensions, where there is a proven functional need. Such exceptions will only be permitted on the larger green space sites where a substantial element of green space can be retained, or where the overall scale of a development is such that the character and quality of the space is maintained or enhanced. Where a school site is to be redeveloped (see Policy CF5), every effort should be made to retain the green space component; if this is not possible, a facility of equivalent size or recreational value should be provided within the site or the immediate locality.

10.18 The provision of public open space for recreational purposes is addressed in Policy H20.

POLICY L3

1. PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NOT BE GIVEN FOR PROPOSALS INVOLVING THE LOSS, FRAGMENTATION OR REDUCTION IN SIZE OF GREEN SPACES WITHIN THE BUILT-UP AREA, AS IDENTIFIED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, OR OF OPEN AREAS WITH RECREATION, AMENITY OR NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE IN RURAL SETTLEMENTS.

2. WHERE, IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT DEVELOPMENT WITHIN A GREEN SPACE IS NECESSARY, A SUBSTANTIAL ELEMENT OF GREEN SPACE MUST BE RETAINED, AND THE OVERALL CHARACTER AND QUALITY OF THE SPACE MAINTAINED, OR, IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, ALTERNATIVE PROVISION OF EQUIVALENT QUALITY SHOULD BE MADE WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE.

Back to Top

Incidental Open Space

10.19 Also important, but not large enough to be designated on the Proposals Map, are areas of incidental open space, such as small landscaped areas within housing or commercial developments. These informal open spaces provide important visual contrasts and soften the hard edge of buildings. They provide opportunities for soft landscaping, and generally contribute to amenity. Less than 0.1 hectares in area, they are generally too small to identify on the Proposals Map, but their importance to amenity throughout the District’s built environment is such that they should be protected.

POLICY L4

PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NOT BE GIVEN FOR PROPOSALS INVOLVING THE LOSS FRAGMENTATION OR REDUCTION IN SIZE OF INCIDENTAL OPEN SPACES, WHERE THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE AREA.

Back to Top

River Environments

10.20 River corridors are of great importance to water resources, water quality, nature conservation, fisheries and recreation. They make a significant contribution to landscape character and form green links between habitats which are crucial for the conservation of wildlife and enhancement of wildlife habitats.

10.21 The District's watercourses include the Thames, the Wye, and the Wye's tributaries (the Hughenden Stream and Wycombe Marsh Brook, also known as the 'Back Stream’), the Hambleden Stream and some of the headwaters of the River Thame: these are important natural assets.

10.22 The River Thames is of national significance, and the river and its valley therefore constitute a particularly important landscape within the District. The Thames Valley defines the southern fringes of the AONB within Wycombe District, and its unique landscape qualities are reflected in the fact that the valley is recognised as one of four broad landscape types within the AONB. The valley is relatively restricted in extent on the northern side of the river, with the result that it is dominated by the river and by the views to the south. This has led to the development of distinctive settlement patterns and built environment characteristics. Settlements are small and relatively compact, and buildings are orientated towards the river, many being the characteristic large Thames-side houses in secluded gardens.

10.23 Policy L5 requires that the specific and very special qualities of the whole Thames environment are protected. In both the riverside settlements and the immediate river environment, development should respect the existing character of the area. In the river and on its banks, this means maintaining the natural environment.

10.24 The high quality of the Thames environment means that it also has importance as a recreational resource. The recreational use of the Thames river environment is addressed in Policies RT11 to RT14, which deal with moorings, marinas, general recreation, and the Thames Path National Trail.

10.25 Over the years, there have been particular development pressures experienced within the urban areas of Wycombe. This in turn has resulted in the encroachment of development into river corridors, resulting in their partial or complete loss or degradation.

10.26 In recognition of the importance of river corridors throughout the District, the Council aims to ensure that all future opportunities are taken to protect and enhance river environments. A key element in this approach is the retention of wide buffer zones between rivers and any proposed development. This creates a more effective `green’ corridor, and thereby assists in the conservation of riverside wildlife and habitats.

10.27 In order to protect the setting and function of river corridors, provide an adequate natural buffer zone, and permit access for maintenance, buildings will not be permitted within the distance equivalent to the height of the proposed building, or 8 metres, whichever is the greater. General development, such as car parks, will not be permitted within 8 metres of the riverbank. In some cases, a wider buffer zone will be required; this will be determined on a site-by-site basis in consultation with the Environment Agency. This is to ensure that the scale of any development respects the riverside setting, as well as maintaining an adequate buffer zone. Since a key function of the buffer zone is to create a 'green corridor', gardens and other amenity space will not be considered to provide a 'buffer': such areas conflict with the objectives of a natural corridor intended to encourage and facilitate wildlife movement.

10.28 Exceptions will however be considered where redevelopment is proposed and an infringement or loss of the river corridor has already occurred. Such exceptions will only be permitted where the overall development package is considered to complement and enhance its river environment.

10.29 The District Council will expect new development to utilise watercourses as a feature to enhance amenity, and culverting will therefore rarely prove acceptable. Such works also require separate consent from the Environment Agency, which has a presumption against culverting on environmental grounds and because culverting may have serious implications for safety, maintenance and flooding.

10.30 Only in exceptional circumstances will the District Council permit bank protection work to prevent the natural process of gradual water erosion by the river (for example, where property or statutory rights of way are threatened). Where works are essential, every effort should be made to use more natural methods of protection by encouraging the growth of vegetation or, where this is not practical, by using timber piling in preference to man made materials (concrete or sheet steel) which would detract from the visual quality of the environment. Works should take account of nature conservation interests and should accord with the latest best practice to ensure that wildlife habitats are retained or new ones created.

10.31 The Council will also have regard to the Local Environment Agency Plans, or LEAPs, prepared by the Environment Agency for three of the catchment areas in Wycombe District: the River Thames, and the Pang and Wye, and the Thame. The Environment Agency is responsible for the regulation of air, land and water, and produces LEAPs where appropriate to ensure that these functions are co-ordinated, and the protection and improvement of the environment managed comprehensively. The Environment Agency is also responsible for issuing Land Drainage Consent, where needed.

POLICY L5

1. PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NOT BE GRANTED FOR ANY DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE CHARACTER, NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE OR OPEN SPACE FUNCTION OF A RIVER ENVIRONMENT.

2. THE IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WILL BE CONSIDERED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

a. RIVER ECOLOGY – DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SHOULD SEEK TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY, ENCOURAGE WILDLIFE, AND IMPROVE MARGINAL VEGETATION;

b. THE CHARACTER OF THE LANDSCAPE - DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SHOULD MAINTAIN THE RIVER CORRIDOR BY PROVIDING AN ADEQUATE BUFFER ZONE BETWEEN THE RIVERBANK AND THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT, AND BY RESPECTING THE SCALE OF THE RIVERSIDE SETTING; AND

c. PUBLIC ACCESS – DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SHOULD TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE PUBLIC ACCESS TO RIVERS AND RIVERBANKS.

3. WHEREVER POSSIBLE, ALL OPPORTUNITIES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE VALUE AND QUALITY OF RIVER CORRIDORS THROUGH RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT, PARTICULARLY THROUGH DECULVERTING. PERMISSION WILL NOT BE GRANTED FOR THE CULVERTING OF WATERCOURSES.

4. BANK PROTECTION WORKS, WHICH WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED WHERE PROPERTY OR STATUTORY RIGHTS OF WAY ARE THREATENED, SHOULD INVOLVE THE USE OF APPROPRIATE MATERIALS, PROTECT NATURE CONSERVATION INTERESTS, AND BE DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN OR ENHANCE THE CHARACTER OF THE RIVER AND ITS ENVIRONMENT.

5. IN ADDITION, THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO CONSERVE AND ENHANCE THE SETTING OF THE RIVER THAMES AND WILL NOT PERMIT DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE SPECIAL CHARACTER, LANDSCAPE, NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE AND AMENITY OF THE RIVER, ITS VALLEY, AND THE SETTLEMENTS ON ITS BANKS.

Back to Top

Woodlands

10.32 Wooded areas account for 18.1% of Wycombe District; this represents 5,900ha of woodland. In both urban and rural areas woodlands play an important role in defining the Chilterns landscape and supporting Chilterns ecology, and, particularly in rural areas, in supporting the economy. Woodlands also help to secure sustainable development, through air quality enhancement, storm water control, habitat provision and helping to reduce the rate of global warming by trapping carbon dioxide. They can also be used as a resource for both recreation and education, and, historically, influenced the development of the furniture industry in the District.

10.33 Wycombe District Council has a 30-year woodland strategy that was introduced in 1990. This provides for the active management, long- term improvement and conservation of the District Council’s own woodlands. It must be emphasised that some felling can be an essential part of effective and necessary woodland management, and the Council will support this where it is properly done.

10.34 In addition, some of the District’s woodlands are protected by landscape and nature conservation designations, but there are also valuable woodland areas which are offered no such protection.

10.35 Particular protection must be afforded to ancient woodland, which is defined by English Nature as being those areas which have had continuous woodland cover since at least 1600 AD to the present day, and have only been cleared for underwood or timber production. The amount of ancient woodland in the country is diminishing, but because there has been a continuity of woodland cover over centuries they are often rich in wildlife and historically important.

10.36 Policy L6 sets out the planning context for the protection of woodland in Wycombe District. In light of the acknowledged importance of woodland in the District, the Council also endorses the 1998 Buckinghamshire Tree and Woodland Strategy.

POLICY L6

1. PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NOT BE GIVEN FOR PROPOSALS INVOLVING THE LOSS, FRAGMENTATION OR REDUCTION IN SIZE OF WOODLANDS.

2. FOR WOODLANDS, OTHER THAN ANCIENT WOODLAND OR HERITAGE WOODLANDS, WHERE EXCEPTIONALLY, IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT SUCH DEVELOPMENT IS NECESSARY, AN EQUAL AREA MUST BE REPLANTED WITH NATIVE BROADLEAVED TREE SPECIES, OF WHICH AT LEAST 20% ARE NON-TIMBER SPECIES.

Back to Top

Nature Conservation and Biodiversity

10.37 Government policy on nature conservation, as set out in PPG9, is to conserve the abundance and diversity of wildlife and its habitats, or minimise the adverse effects on wildlife where conflict of interest is unavoidable, and to meet its international obligations (the UK Government signed the Convention on Biological Diversity at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, and has subsequently produced Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan, which sets the context for the Local Biodiversity Action for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes). PPG9 acknowledges the importance of nature conservation, and outlines its contribution to social and economic well- being.

10.38 PPG9 also states that the key to the conservation of wildlife is the protection of the habitat on which it depends, and this is primarily achieved in planning terms by the protection of designated sites, both statutory and non- statutory, as well as the wider countryside. Together these form a valuable network of nature conservation sites. The protection of the countryside is dealt with in Chapter 8 of this Local Plan; this section addresses the protection of designated and other important sites.

10.39 The District Council endorses the following publications in respect of nature conservation: UK Biodiversity Action Plan, Bucks Nature Conservation Charter and Buckinghamshire Biodiversity Challenge. The Council also acknowledges the work done through the Bucks Nature Conservation Forum as playing an important role in defining biodiversity objectives for the local area.

Back to Top

Statutorily Protected Sites

10.40 The sites to be afforded the highest level of protection are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Local Nature Reserves (LNRs): these are both statutory designations.

10.41 All sites of national and international nature conservation importance are notified as SSSIs by English Nature. They can be areas of land or water containing plants, animals, geological features or landforms of special interest, and may include Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Nature Conservation Review (NCR) sites, Ramsar sites, and National Nature Reserves (NNRs). Two earlier stages in the designation process for SACs are also recognised for the purposes of protection and the application of the relevant Regulations: candidate SACs (cSACs) and sites of community importance (SCIs). All the above are SSSIs and are protected as such, although some sites may also be subject to additional considerations through EU and UK legislation. SSSIs are notified to local planning authorities to allow consideration to be given to their conservation in the planning process. The District Council is required to consult English Nature on any application for development which is likely to affect SSSIs and will take into account any comments expressed as a result of these consultations. The District Council recognises the need for management operations that are sympathetic to nature conservation and will support initiatives by other organisations seeking to conserve the interest of these areas.

10.42 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are selected for their importance as natural habitat types. Part of each of the Chilterns Beechwoods and Aston Rowant candidate SACs fall within Wycombe District. They are made up of a number of the District’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), as listed in Appendix 12.

10.43 Local Nature Reserves are designated by local authorities as habitats of local significance which contribute to both nature conservation and public appreciation and understanding of wildlife.

10.44 The SSSIs, candidate SACs and LNRs located within Wycombe District are listed in Appendix 12 and shown on the Proposals Map, but Policy L7 will also apply to any additional sites designated during the life of this Plan, and the various stages of SAC designation.

10.45 Policy L7 will also be used to protect the habitats of individual plant and animal species which are specially protected by law. Such species may be threatened, directly or indirectly, by the development of open land, or by the re-use or conversion of existing buildings, as may be the case with bats and barn owls. Policy L7 will apply to any such circumstances.

POLICY L7

1. DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD HARM THE NATURE CONSERVATION OR GEOLOGICAL INTEREST OF THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF THE FOLLOWING PROPOSED OR DESIGNATED SITES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED:

a. SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSSIs), INCLUDING SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPAs), SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SACs), AND NATIONAL NATURE RESERVES (NNRs);

b. LOCAL NATURE RESERVES;

c. THE HABITAT OF A PROTECTED SPECIES.

2. IN DETERMINING WHETHER HARM WOULD BE CAUSED, THE COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

a. WHETHER THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT ON THE SITE OR HABITAT WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT IN RELATION TO THOSE CHARACTERISTICS FOR WHICH THE SITE HAS BEEN DESIGNATED OR PROPOSED FOR DESIGNATION;

b. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SITE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION AND THE NEED TO PAY VERY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE CONSERVATION OF SITES OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE; AND

c. THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE SITES FOR DEVELOPMENT OR MEASURES WHICH WOULD MINIMISE ANY ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE SITE OR HABITAT, OR ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF ITS KEY FEATURES.

3. WHERE NECESSARY, THE COUNCIL WILL REQUIRE AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT, AND WILL ENSURE THAT ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST OF THE SITE ARE SATISFACTORILY MITIGATED THROUGH THE IMPOSITION OF APPROPRIATE CONDITIONS OR THROUGH THE APPLICANT OR LANDOWNER ENTERING INTO A MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.

Back to Top

Non-Statutorily Protected Sites

10.46 In addition to the statutory designated sites, there are numerous other sites within the District with varying degrees of importance for nature conservation or geology. PPG9 advises that sites of substantive nature conservation value should also be afforded adequate protection, appropriate to their designation and nature conservation or geological value. Together with statutory sites and various countryside features, such sites help to form a valuable network of wildlife corridors, links or stepping stones. Many of these sites have been designated as Biological Notification Sites (BNSs), or sites of importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), records of which have been maintained by the Environmental Records Centre attached to the County Museum Service. The designation ensures that the County Museum is consulted in respect of any development proposal which is likely to affect such sites.

10.47 A review of Biological Notification Sites was initiated in 1995 in order to respond to the requirement in PPG9 that local authorities identify local sites of 'substantive nature conservation value', and ensure their protection. The review was partially completed, and the sites renamed as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). The review work is now once again underway, and continues to reassess existing BNSs. It also designates new sites: sites that meet the relevant criteria will be designated as County Wildlife Sites (CWSs), and existing SINCS will be renamed as CWSs. While the review is continuing the designations will run concurrently and the County Council will be consulted about development proposals affecting sites with any of these designations. Once the review has been completed, the Council will consider the inclusion of CWSs in the Local Plan through the appropriate procedures. Information on BNSs, SINCs and CWSs is held and updated by the Environmental Records Centre, and is available there for reference.

10.48 Regionally important geological and geomorphological sites (RIGS) are also protected under Policy L8. A review of RIGS is underway: once this has been completed, the Council will also consider the inclusion of RIGS in the Local Plan through the appropriate procedures.

POLICY L8

1. DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD HARM THE NATURE CONSERVATION OR GEOLOGICAL INTEREST OF THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF COUNTY WILDLIFE SITES OR OTHER SITES OF SUBSTANTIVE NATURE CONSERVATION AND GEOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE, SUCH AS SINCs RIGS AND BNSs WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.

2. WHERE NECESSARY, THE COUNCIL WILL REQUIRE AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. DEVELOPMENT WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED ON, OR CLOSE TO, SUCH SITES WHERE THE COUNCIL CONSIDERS THAT ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST OF THE SITE ARE SATISFACTORILY MITIGATED THROUGH THE IMPOSITION OF APPROPRIATE CONDITIONS OR THROUGH THE APPLICANT OR LANDOWNER ENTERING INTO A MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.

Back to Top

Other Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Features

10.49 In addition to these non-statutory designated sites, there are other areas of great nature conservation importance which are not formally designated, but which provide valuable wildlife corridors or stepping-stones from one habitat to another, forming a network essential to the maintenance of biological diversity. Such features may include hedgerows, ponds, and small woods, and the Habitats Directive requires that they are appropriately managed in the interests of nature conservation. Appropriate management may involve the maintenance of traditional agricultural practices, sensitive landscaping and planting, the creation of new landscape features and the adaptation of derelict areas. In assessing locally distinctive habitats and species, the Council will have reference to English Nature’s Natural Area Profiles, amongst other relevant documentation.

POLICY L9

THE DISTRICT COUNCIL WILL EXPECT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND RETENTION OR ENHANCEMENT OF LANDSCAPE AND COUNTRYSIDE FEATURES OF NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE, AND WILL SUPPORT PROPOSALS FOR THE CREATION OF NEW LANDSCAPE FEATURES AND HABITATS WHICH ARE APPROPRIATE TO THE AREA AND USE LOCAL SPECIES, WHERE THEY COMPLY WITH THE OTHER POLICIES IN THIS PLAN.