Policy information sourced from the Elmbridge Core Strategy
CS13 - Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area
New residential development which is likely to have a significant effect on the ecological integrity of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) will be required to demonstrate that adequate measures are put in place to avoid or mitigate any potential adverse effects. Such measures must be agreed with Natural England.
Priority will be given to directing development to those areas where potential adverse effects can be avoided without the need for mitigation measures. Where mitigation measures are required, the Council will work in partnership to set out clearly and deliver a consistent approach to mitigation, based on the following principles:
- A zone of influence set at 5km linear distance from the SPA boundary will be established where measures must be taken to ensure that the integrity of the SPA is protected.
- Within this zone of influence, there will be a 400m “exclusion zone” where mitigation measures are unlikely to be capable of protecting the integrity of the SPA.
- Where development is proposed outside the exclusion zone but within the zone of influence, mitigation measures will be delivered prior to occupation and in perpetuity. Measures will be based on a combination of access management, and the provision of Suitable Accessible Natural Greenspace (SANG).
Where mitigation takes the form of provision of SANG the following standards and arrangements will apply:
- A minimum of 8 hectares of SANG land (after discounting to account for current access and capacity) should be provided per 1,000 new occupants;
- Developments of fewer than 10 dwellings should not be required to be within a specified distance of SANG land provided it is ensured that a sufficient quantity of SANG land is in place to cater for the consequent increase in residents prior to occupation of the dwellings;
- Access management measures will be provided strategically to ensure that the adverse impacts on the SPA are avoided and that SANG functions effectively;
- The Council will work in partnership through the Joint Strategic Partnership Board (JSPB) to ensure the delivery of mitigation measures;
- The Council will co-operate with Natural England and other landowners and stakeholders in monitoring the effectiveness of avoidance and mitigation measures and monitoring visitor pressure on the SPA and review/amend the approach set out in this policy, as necessary;
- The Council will collect developer contributions towards mitigation measures, including the provision of SANG land and joint contributions to the funding of access management and monitoring the effects of mitigation measures across the SPA;
- Large developments may be expected to provide bespoke mitigation that provides a combination of benefits including SANG, biodiversity enhancement, green infrastructure and, potentially, new recreational facilities.
Where further evidence demonstrates that the integrity of the SPA can be protected using different linear thresholds or with alternative mitigation measures (including standards of SANG provision different to those set out in this policy) these will be agreed with Natural England.
Further details are set out within the Delivery Framework and the Council’s most up-to-date mitigation strategy.
For more information please see the Elmbridge Core Strategy