Policy information sourced from the Havering Local Plan
30 Biodiversity and geodiversity
The Council will protect and enhance the borough’s natural environment and seek to increase the quantity and quality of biodiversity in Havering by:
- Ensuring developers demonstrate that the impact of proposals on protected sites and species have been fully assessed when development has the potential to impact on such sites or species. Appropriate mitigation and compensation measures will also need to be identified where necessary. If significant harm resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission will normally be refused;
- Not permitting development which would adversely affect the integrity of Specific Scientific Interest, Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation except for reasons of overriding public interest, or where adequate compensatory measures are provided; If significant harm resulting from a development cannot be avoided (through locating on an alternative site with less harmful impacts), adequately mitigated, or, as a last resort, compensated for, then planning permission will normally be refused;
- Supporting proposals where the primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity;
- Encouraging developments where there are opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around the development;
- Supporting developments that promote the qualitative enhancement of sites of biodiversity value, (by supporting proposals that improve access, connectivity and the creation of new habitats. Measures include maintaining trees, native vegetation, and improving and restoring open spaces and green infrastructure for the benefit of wildlife;
- Working with partners and local conservation groups to improve conditions for biodiversity in the borough.
For more information please see the Havering Local Plan