Policy information sourced from the Lovelace Neighbourhood Plan
LNPEN2: Biodiversity and Natural Habitats
Developers must demonstrate measurable net gains to wildlife and biodiversity through habitat creation and enhancement. The European designated environmental sites within Lovelace require maximum protection for biodiversity and natural habitats. Developments which would increase significantly recreational use or otherwise adversely affect the European designated Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area (TBHSPA) after taking into account mitigation and avoidance measures will not be supported.
All new development must meet the following requirements:
- New residential development is not permitted within 400m of the TBHSPA in compliance with the South East Plan (2009) (Policy NRM6).
- All developments must demonstrate no significant loss or harm to protected or other priority species.
- Any proposed relocation of habitat must demonstrate that the scheme cannot be designed to accommodate the habitat in its existing location.
- All developments are required to retain and enhance well-established species-rich features of the landscape, including ancient woodland, mature trees, hedgerows, ponds, and existing waterways.
- Any trees removed or lost as a result of development, other than those that are dead, dying or dangerous and of no ecological importance, should be replaced at a ratio of 2:1. Development affecting ancient trees should follow standing advice on ancient woodland and veteran trees.
- All development must ensure compliance with the regional approach to protection of the TBHSPA and in respect of residential development provide or contribute to SANG and SAMM as set out in GLPSS Policy P5 and the TBHSPA Avoidance Strategy SPD.
- Any new development must take into consideration the M25/A3 Junction 10 upgrade and ensure the replacement TBHSPA land is not impacted upon.
For more information please see the Neighbourhood Plan