Development proposals must take available measures to ensure the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, habitats, biodiversity and geodiversity of the District and to be acceptable, also taking climate change and water scarcity into account in their design. This will include protection from pollution. Proposals inside the District which are likely to adversely affect, either individually or cumulatively, International or Nationally designated nature conservation sites within and outside the District will not normally be acceptable.

The Council will expect all development proposals, where appropriate, to contribute towards the delivery of new Green Infrastructure which develops and enhances a network of multi-functional spaces and natural features throughout the District. This will be proportionate to the scale of the proposed development and the rural or urban context. The Council will support and encourage development which contributes to the District’s existing Green Infrastructure and where possible, enhances and protects networks and adds to their functions. It will secure additional provision where deficiencies have been identified. Open space and green infrastructure may in some instances be required to provide alternatives to European sites and that such sites should be designed and managed appropriately to maximise their potential effectiveness in this role. Proposals which undermine these principles will not be acceptable.

For more information, please visit the Braintree District Council’s Local Plan here.