Policy information sourced from the Harlow Local Development Plan 2020-2033 PDF.
WE4: Safeguarding Wildlife Sites Beyond the District Boundary.
Development in the plan area, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects, may have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC) as a result of disturbance from recreational activities or air pollution from increased vehicle movements.
Where significant effects on the Epping Forest SAC alone or in combination are likely, a project level Habitats Regulation Assessment may be required.
Development may also have an adverse effect on Hatfield Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as a result of disturbance from recreational activities.
In relation to Epping Forest and/or Hatfield Forest, development will be required if necessary to include avoidance or mitigation measures as set out in the respective Mitigation Strategies to be adopted by the Council which may include:
- (a) provision of informal greenspace for recreation within the application site;
- (b) provision, or a contribution towards, suitable alternative natural greenspace offsite;
- (c) the improvement of existing nearby recreational opportunities;
- (d) financial contributions towards strategic access management measures in Epping Forest or Hatfield Forest as appropriate;
- (e) financial contributions or other measures to improve air quality in Epping Forest;
- (f) monitoring of the impacts of new development on these wildlife sites to inform the refinement of any necessary mitigation requirements.
Where necessary, contributions towards the measures set out in the Epping Forest Mitigation Strategy will be sought from developments within the Epping Forest Recreational Zone of Influence (ZOI) in order to mitigate and avoid in-combination effects on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC). If necessary contributions will also be sought to address any in-combination air pollution impacts.
For more information, please visit Harlow’s Local Plan here.