Policy information sourced from the Central Befordshire Local Plan

EE3: Nature Conservation

Important habitats and sites of geological and geomorphological interest will be protected, maintained and enhanced.

Up to date, comprehensive ecological surveys undertaken in accordance with industry guidelines and standards will be required to support and inform development proposals that would affect sites for nature conservation, protected species, or species and habitats of principal importance demonstrating development will deliver a net gain.

Development proposals will be permitted where:

  1. They do not have an adverse effect, either alone or in-combination, on European designated sites, unless they satisfy the requirements of the Habitats Regulations*;
  2. They will not adversely affect SSSIs, NNRs and Roadside Nature Reserves; and
  3. They are designed to prevent any adverse impact on:
    • County Wildlife Sites;
    • Local Nature Reserves;
    • Local Geological or Geomorphological Sites;
    • Protected species; or
    • Species and habitats of principal importance.

The assessment of adverse impacts will apply to potentially damaging development proposals that may affect the designated area. It will include the consideration of adverse cumulative effects with other existing or proposed development. Adverse impacts, such as disturbance through increased recreational pressure can result from new development and require mitigation to prevent detrimental impacts to the ecological resource.

*Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992

For more information, please visit the Central Befordshire Local Plan