In addition to the BOAs, biodiversity measures are required to align with and deliver the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (to be prepared) and take account of other national, regional and local biodiversity strategies.

Major development proposals are required to set out plans for long term management and maintenance of on-site biodiversity.

Planting schemes, landscaping and water management

Planting and landscaping schemes, open spaces, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Natural Flood Management measures are expected to incorporate species, habitats and management regimes that provide best biodiversity benefit as set out in BOA policy statements and other strategies.

Tree canopies are expected to be retained and new tree planting is expected to focus on the creation of new connected tree canopies and/or the extension of existing canopies, unless doing so would adversely impact on sensitive species or habitats. Tree planting schemes are expected to provide resilience in terms of climate, disease and ageing, incorporating large species with long lifespans where opportunities arise.

Planting schemes are expected to use UK sourced, native species, unless imported strains of native species would offer greater resilience and are free from disease.

Measures on building structures

Development proposals are required to include appropriate features in or on building structures that support nature, will last for the lifetime of the development and will cater for appropriate species and habitats.

Site design

Development proposals are expected to be designed to create areas of new habitat and provide appropriate links and corridors between new and existing habitats, avoiding and reversing fragmentation and species isolation. Development sites and built features are expected to be permeable for wildlife.

In areas where invasive species are present, site design should not facilitate their spread. Where invasive species are present on development sites, they should be eradicated, or controlled where eradication is not possible. Planting schemes must not include invasive plants.

Major development proposals are expected, and minor development proposals are encouraged, to deliver measures that promote a sense of community ownership of green spaces and habitats.

Biodiversity Net Gain

Qualifying development proposals submitted after the national scheme comes into effect are required to achieve a biodiversity net gain of at least 20 per cent, or the advised national minimum amount, whichever is greater, measured using the national biodiversity net gain calculation methodology.

Where previously developed land is exempted from biodiversity net gain under the relevant regulations, a minimum net gain will not be required unless the site supports at least one protected or priority species population or habitat, or an assemblage of species with an otherwise demonstrably high biodiversity value. Where these are present, a measurable 20 per cent net gain for relevant habitats will be required.

Biodiversity gains are required to be delivered in a manner that is consistent with the biodiversity policies in this plan and LPSS 2019 Policy ID4: Green and Blue Infrastructure so that measures are focused on local priorities and will provide the best biodiversity value.

New habitats and habitat improvements that contribute towards the achievement of biodiversity net gain are required to be secured and maintained for at least 30 years, or a period of time set out in national policy or legislation if this is greater.

Where the applicant is unable to provide the gains on-site, provide the gains off-site or fund gains off-site on third-party sites, a justified and proportionate financial contribution to fund off-site measures will be secured.

Development proposals for the creation of biodiversity sites will be supported where these are well located and will be appropriately managed in order to align with local, regional and national strategies and provide best biodiversity value.

For more information please see the Local Plan