Policy information sourced from the Harlow Development Local Plan 2020-2033 PDF.
WE3: General Strategy for Biodiversity and Geodiversity.
Internationally Designated Sites
Development proposals which may have an adverse impact on any internationally designated wildlife site, either alone or in-combination, must satisfy the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, determining site-specific impacts and avoiding or mitigating against impacts identified.
Nationally Designated Sites
Development which would harm the nature conservation or geological interest of a nationally important wildlife site, as shown on the Policies Map, will not be supported, unless:
- (a) it is required in connection with the management or conservation of the site; or
- (b) the development provides appropriate avoidance or mitigation measures and, as a last resort, provides compensation to offset any adverse impacts on the interest features of the site; or
- (c) there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest for the development; and
- (d) there is no alternative to the development.
Compensation for the harm will be required.
Locally Designated Sites
Development on, or which negatively affects, a Local Wildlife Site or Local Nature Reserve, as shown on the Policies Map, will not be supported unless:
- (a) local development needs significantly outweigh the nature conservation value of the site; and
- (b) the development provides appropriate avoidance or mitigation and, as a last resort, provides compensation measures to offset any detriment to the nature conservation interest on the site.
For more information, please visit Harlow’s Local Plan here.