Policy information sourced from the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033
DM1 Habitat Protection and Improving Biodiversity
- All development should seek to deliver net biodiversity gain in addition to protecting existing habitats and species. Development proposals should seek to integrate biodiversity through their design and layout, including, where appropriate, through the provision of connections between physical and functional networks.
- Development proposals must seek to avoid harm to, protect and enhance natural habitats, species, areas and corridors for biodiversity. Development will not be permitted where significant impacts upon areas of international designation (including sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites) or national designation (including Sites of Special Scientific Interest) cannot be avoided, mitigated or as a last resort compensated. Developments that are likely to have an adverse impact, either alone or in combination, on internationally designated sites must satisfy the requirements of the Habitats Regulations, determining site specific impacts and avoiding or mitigating against impacts where identified. The creation of new corridors for biodiversity will be supported in appropriate locations. The provision of buffers to protect sensitive habitats including those of wetlands and ponds will be required where necessary.
- Development proposals which are likely to have a negative impact on a locally designated site (Local Wildlife Site and Local Nature Reserve) will only be permitted where the benefits of the proposed development clearly outweigh the value of the ecological feature adversely affected and there are no appropriate alternatives.
- In exceptional circumstances where the negative impacts of development on natural habitat and biodiversity are unavoidable, the negative impacts must be proportionately addressed in accordance with the hierarchy of:
- mitigation;
- compensation in the form of habitat; and finally
- offsetting within the locality.
- The details of any necessary enhancement, mitigation or compensation measures should accompany the planning application as appropriate. When appropriate, conditions will be put in place to require that monitoring is undertaken (by a suitably qualified ecological professional), and to make sure that any mitigation, compensation and offsetting is effective.
- The loss, deterioration or fragmentation of irreplaceable habitats, such as Veteran Trees and Ancient Woodland, will not be permitted, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location can be demonstrated to clearly outweigh the loss.
- Where there are grounds to believe that a Protected Species, Priority Species, Priority Habitat or other valuable habitat may be affected by proposed development, applicants must provide a full survey and site assessment to establish the extent of potential impact. This evidence should inform appropriately designed plans and mitigation measures.
- Ecological impacts of a proposed development will be quantified by using the Biodiversity Impact Assessment Calculator (BIAC) having regard to its relevance within the context of the scale and nature of the development proposed. Where it has been determined by the Council that there is a need to quantify the ecological impacts, development proposals must demonstrate a net gain in ecological units.
- Ecological information must be supplied in accordance with BS 42020 2013 for all relevant planning applications.
For more information please see the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033