Policy information sourced from the Medway Local Plan 2003

BNE36 Strategic and Local Nature Conservation Sites

Strategic and Local Nature Conservation Sites, as defined on the proposals map, will be given long term protection:

  1. Sites of Nature Conservation Interest;
  2. Designated and proposed Local Nature Reserves.

Development that would materially harm, directly or indirectly, the scientific or wildlife interest of these sites will not be permitted unless the development is connected with, or necessary to, the management of the site’s wildlife interest.

Development for which there is an overriding need will exceptionally be permitted if no reasonable alternative site is (or is likely to be) available. The overriding need will be judged against the strategic and/or local importance of the affected nature conservation designation. In such exceptional circumstances, the detrimental impact upon the scientific or wildlife interest should be minimised and appropriate compensatory measures will be required.

For more information please see the Medway Local Plan 2003