The Council is committed to the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment through the protection of designated sites and species, whilst planning positively for biodiversity networks and minimising pollution.

The Council will plan for a multifunctional network of green infrastructure which protects, enhances and, where possible, restores ecosystems, securing a net gain in biodiversity across the Council’s area. The needs and potential of biodiversity will be considered together with those of natural, historic and farming landscapes, the promotion of health and wellbeing, sustainable travel, water management including water resources, and climate change adaptation.

The Council will ensure that new development does not contribute to water pollution and, where possible, enhances water quality, and demonstrates the advancement of biodiversity and amenity interests through the provision of a range of greenspaces.

The Council will take a precautionary approach where insufficient information is provided about avoidance, management, mitigation and compensation measures. Management, mitigation and compensation measures will be secured through planning conditions/obligations where necessary.

The Council will ensure that, where appropriate, new development seeks to improve water-related biodiversity taking account of Water Framework Directive objectives and River Basin Management Plan actions.

The Council will seek to minimise the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a) to major new development.

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.

Where appropriate, contributions from proposed residential developments will be secured towards recreational mitigation measures at Hatfield Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR)

For more information, please visit Chelmsford’s Local Plan here.