Policy information sourced from the West Horsley Neighbourhood Plan

WH14: Biodiversity

Any development proposals which will have detrimental effects on designated environmental and landscape assets, especially the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area, the Surrey Hills AONB, the AGLV, the Sheepleas SSSI, SNCIs and Ancient Woodland, will be strongly resisted.

Development proposals must ensure the protection of local biodiversity assets and UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats. In addition, wherever practicable, proposals should contribute to, increase and enhance the natural environment by providing additional habitat resources for wildlife and green spaces for the community.

In imposing landscaping conditions to secure biodiversity benefits including tree and/or hedge planting, developers are required to include in their schemes the planting of indigenous, primarily broad-leaved trees and other native plants appropriate to the setting and character of the area.

Where possible, development proposals must result in a biodiversity gain for the Parish.

For more information please see the Neighbourhood Plan