Policy information sourced from the Chelmsford Local Plan 2013-2036 PDF.
DM16: Ecology and Biodiversity.
A) Internationally Designated Sites
Developments that are likely to have an adverse impact (either individually or in combination with other developments) on European Designated Sites must satisfy the requirements of the Habitats Regulations, determining site specific impacts and avoiding or mitigating against impacts where identified.
Where appropriate, contributions from developments will be secured towards mitigation measures identified in the Essex Recreational disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS) which will be completed by the time the Local Plan is adopted. Prior to RAMS completion, the authority will seek contributions, where appropriate, from proposed residential development to deliver all measures identified (including strategic measures) through project level HRAs, or otherwise, to mitigate any recreational disturbance impacts in compliance with the Habitats Regulations and Habitats Directive.
B) Nationally Designated Sites
Development proposals within or outside a SSSI, likely to have an adverse effect on a SSSI (either individually or in combination with other developments), will not be permitted unless, on an exceptional basis, the benefits of the development clearly outweigh both the adverse impacts on the features of the site and any adverse impacts on the wider network of SSSIs.
C) Locally Designated Sites
Development likely to adversely affect locally designated sites, their features or their function as part of the ecological network, will only be permitted where the need and benefits of the development clearly outweigh the loss and the coherence of the local ecological network is maintained.
D) Biodiversity and Geodiversity in Development
All development proposals should:
- Conserve and enhance the network of habitats, species and sites (both statutory and non-statutory, including priority habitats and species) of international, national and local importance commensurate with their status and give appropriate weight to their importance; and
- Avoid negative impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity, mitigate unavoidable impacts and as a last resort compensate for residual impacts; and
- Deliver a net gain in biodiversity where possible, by creating, restoring and enhancing habitats, and enhancing them for the benefit of species.
For more information, please visit Chelmsford’s Local Plan here.