Policy information sourced from the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 1

EM7: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation

The Council will review all the Borough grade Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). Deletions, amendments and new designations will be made where appropriate within the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2- Site Specific Allocations Local Development Document. These designations will be based on previous recommendations made in discussions with the Greater London Authority.

Hillingdon’s biodiversity and geological conservation will be preserved and enhanced with particular attention given to:

  • The conservation and enhancement of the natural state of:
    • Harefield Gravel Pits
    • Colne Valley Regional Park
    • Fray’s Farm Meadows
    • Harefield Pit
  • The protection and enhancement of all Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation. Sites with Metropolitan and Borough Grade 1 importance will be protected from any adverse impacts and loss. Borough Grade 2 and Sites of Local Importance will be protected from loss with harmful impacts mitigated through appropriate compensation.
  • The protection and enhancement of populations of protected species as well as priority species and habitats identified within the UK, London and the Hillingdon Biodiversity Action Plans.
  • Appropriate contributions from developers to help enhance Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in close proximity to development and to deliver/ assist in the delivery of actions within the Biodiversity Action Plan.
  • The provision of biodiversity improvements from all development, where feasible.
  • The provision of green roofs and living walls which contribute to biodiversity and help tackle climate change.
  • The use of sustainable drainage systems that promote ecological connectivity and natural habitats.

Implementation of Policy EM7 - how we will achieve this

The Council will implement Policy EM7 by:

  • Raising the profile of the biodiversity and geological interests both locally, regionally and nationally.
  • Supporting, improving and managing biodiversity interests and local geological sites through the planning process.
  • Protecting and where feasible extend habitat and improve ecosystems throughout the borough and to areas beyond, by maintaining existing trees, native vegetation (adaptable to climate change) and open space and provide new areas of such vegetation (including the linking of existing fragmented areas) for the benefit of wildlife in accordance with the local Biodiversity Action Plan.
  • Seeking and pooling contributions in accordance with the Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document towards the implementation of actions contained within Hillingdon’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
  • Working with partners, private landowners and other utility providers to achieve multi-functional use of land use that promotes and enhances biodiversity, adds to the green grid or achieves other open space outcomes, including improved accessibility.
  • Working with local community groups/ partners when reviewing the Biodiversity Action Plan.

Monitoring of Policy EM7 - how we will measure success

  • Monitoring of Policy EM7 will be through the Annual Monitoring Report with a specific link to:
    • E2 (Core) Indicator: Change in areas of biodiversity importance including; change in areas designated for their intrinsic environmental value including sites of international, national, regional, sub-regional or local significance. Target: i) Preserve the area of wildlife habitats ii) Minimise loss of designated areas to development (or any other target set by Government).
  • Number of biodiversity and geological conservation sites lost to development.
  • Number of applications refused on biodiversity or geological interest grounds.
  • Number of local sites actively managed.
  • Number of additional nature conservation sites designated.
  • Implementation of Hillingdon’s Biodiversity Action Plan.

For more information please see the Local Plan: Part 1