Policy information sourced from the Bexley Local Plan

DP20: Biodiversity and geodiversity in developments

Protection for biodiversity

  1. Development proposals will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that:
    • a strict approach to the mitigation hierarchy has been taken (i.e. avoid, mitigate, compensate and net gain) and all unavoidable impacts on biodiversity can be justified;
    • completion of the development will result in a measurable long-term net gain for biodiversity, as demonstrated through the application of an acceptable method of measurement, and/or impact assessments;
    • biodiversity enhancement measures and where appropriate mitigation measures have been incorporated within the design, layout and materials used in the built structure and landscaping;
    • opportunities to help connect and improve the wider ecological networks, wildlife corridors and stepping stones for wildlife have been taken by creating linkages through the development site;
    • deficiencies in access to nature conservation are reduced, where possible; and,
    • opportunities to increase wildlife aesthetic value and visual connections with important features have been considered.

Protection of designated sites and habitats

  1. Development proposals that would have a direct or indirect impact on a site designated for its nature conservation or geological interest should protect and enhance the designated site’s value, and will not be permitted unless all of the following criteria are met:
    • there are no reasonable, less damaging, alternative solutions, locations or sites;
    • ecological buffer zones have been incorporated into the scheme, where appropriate, to protect and enhance the designated site’s intrinsic value;
    • the continuity of wildlife habitat within wildlife corridors is maintained; and,
    • access to the designated site is not compromised and where possible, access and/or interpretation is improved.

Protection of Ancient Woodland and veteran trees

  1. Irreplaceable habitats, including Ancient Woodland and aged or veteran trees found outside of Ancient Woodland will be protected from loss or deterioration resulting from development. Where development proposals may affect irreplaceable habitats and their immediate surroundings, the following principles of good practice shall be used to guide the site assessment and design of development:
    • establishment of the likelihood and type of any impacts;
    • implementation of appropriate and adequate mitigation, compensation, and management measures that respect the features and characteristics of the veteran trees and/or Ancient Woodland;
    • provision of adequate buffers; and d. provision of adequate evidence to support development proposals.

For more information please see the Bexley Local Plan