Policy information sourced from Newham Local Plan 2018

SC4 - Biodiversity

Proposals that address the following strategic principles, spatial strategy and design and technical criteria will be supported:

  • Strategic Principles:
    • Biodiversity, including aquatic and riparian habitats, will be protected and enhanced, with all development contributing to the achievement of net gain, and where compatible, improvements to access to nature;
    • Permitting development only where it can be demonstrated that significant adverse impact on protected species and habitats is avoided; and
    • Water quality will be protected and enhanced, with development contributing to achievement of River Basin Management Plan objectives wherever relevant.
  • Spatial Strategy:
    • Trees subject to TPOs, European Sites (notably Epping Forest SAC), and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) (see INF6 and Appendix 3) will be specifically protected, having regard both to direct and indirect impact pathways; and
    • As per INF6, habitat connectivity and access to nature will be promoted through the extension of the green grid.
  • Design and technical criteria:
    • Where any disturbance to or removal of trees is required, replacement will be expected;
    • Any development that creates one or more residential unit or pertains to 500 sq. m or more GIA of any non-residential use should be accompanied by a Biodiversity Statement that:
      • Demonstrates the opportunity to enhance biodiversity has been maximised, including through the provision of soft landscaping and the management of nonnative invasive species on the site;
      • Demonstrates how the development protects connectivity between habitats and avoids (or mitigates) impacts upon existing trees, hedging, soft landscaping, and other biodiversity features;
      • Sets out technical detail in relation to the efficacy of green roofs, specifically depth and variation of substrate;
      • Addresses potential need for a Water Framework Directive compliance assessment and relevant management of direct or indirect impacts on the ecological and chemical value of a waterbody;
      • Incorporates, where required, a Habitats Regulations Assessment (in accordance with the Strategic Site allocation or policies INF7 or SC5) which considers direct and indirect impact pathways and in-combination and cumulative effects on the Epping Forest SAC;
      • In the case of Major developments, uses recognised biodiversity accounting technologies to demonstrate how biodiversity net gain is delivered; and
      • Set outs proposals for off-site mitigation via payments in lieu to a relevant provider where either net gain is impossible to achieve on site due to conflicts with the safe operation of transport and utilities infrastructure, or off site impacts on European sites are likely.

For more information please see the Local Plan 2018