Policy information sourced from Lewisham Development Management Local Plan

DM Policy 24 Biodiversity, living roofs and artificial playing pitches

The Council will require all new development to take full account of biodiversity and geodiversity in development design, ensuring the delivery of benefits and minimising of potential impacts on biodiversity and geodiversity.

Applicants for all major and, where appropriate, non-major development will be required to use up to date surveys and reports that are based on the latest legislation and carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist registered with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). The surveys should be carried out during an optimal time and contain the appropriate degree of detail needed to identify and consider existing biodiversity interests and possible impacts on them, where the proposed site is part of, or located adjacent to, a site designated for its biodiversity value.

New living roofs are required to be designed and fitted by a qualified and accredited installer and include an extensive substrate base, except where it can be demonstrated that such a base is not feasible and achievable. Developers should enter into an agreement with an installer that guarantees 80% coverage in 5 years.

Artificial grass sport pitches are required to be delivered on hard surfaces and previously developed land rather than on existing natural grass, wherever feasible. Applicants should give consideration to the potential loss of open space, the effect on drainage and surface water flooding and the impact of the pitch, lighting and use on the amenity of the adjacent areas.

For more information please see the Local Plan