Policy information sourced from the Hertsmere Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Plan

SADM10 - Biodiversity and Habitat

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS), Local Nature Reserves (LNR) and Local Wildlife Sites are identified on the Policies Map.

Development that would adversely affect any such site or a protected species (UK or European Law, or identified for conservation by the Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan) will not normally be permitted in accordance with legislation and planning policy guidance.

The Council will expect developers to avoid significant harm to sites of importance for ecology, geology and biodiversity by relocating their proposed development

  • on an appropriate alternative site, or
  • elsewhere within the same site (where the harm would be avoided).

Where this cannot be achieved, planning permission will be refused unless:

  • adequate mitigation measures can be employed, which will outweigh the harm caused; or, as a last resort
  • adequate compensatory measures will be provided and the benefits of the development are clearly shown to outweigh the harm to the natural environment.

The acceptability of any development proposal will further be assessed with regard to:

  • the level of impact that the development proposal would have on the ecological interest of the habitat concerned and the wider ecological network;
  • the opportunity available to create, incorporate, enhance, or restore habitats or biodiversity as part of the development;
  • arrangements for the future maintenance and management of the wildlife or habitat affected by the proposal;
  • the detailed design of the proposal including its conformity with the Biodiversity, Trees and Landscape SPD.

The Council will work in partnership with the Hertfordshire Local Nature Partnership, Hertfordshire Environmental Records Centre, the Wildlife Trust and Natural England to minimise the impacts on biodiversity, habitats and geodiversity in Hertsmere.

For more information please see the Hertsmere Policies Plan