Policy information sourced from Redbridge Local Plan

LP39: Nature Conservation and Biodiversity

The Council will protect and enhance the borough’s natural environment and seek to increase the quantity and quality of the borough’s biodiversity by:

  • Not permitting development which would adversely afect the integrity of Epping Forest SAC, except for reasons of overriding public interest, and only where adequate compensatory measures are provided. Any development within 2km of the boundary of the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation shall be the subject of early discussions with the Local Planning Authority and a screening assessment under the Habitat Regulations Assessment must be carried out to assess the impact of the development on the SAC;
  • Protecting designated international, national and local sites of nature conservation importance including Sites of Special Scientifc Interest covering parts of Epping Forest, Wanstead Flats and Hainault Forest and all Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation as identifed on the Policies Map;
  • Promoting the qualitative enhancement of all sites of biodiversity value, (including the Blue Ribbon Network, designated SSSIs, SACs, SINCs, and other sites with protected and priority species), by supporting proposals that improve access, connectivity and the creation of new habitats. Measures include maintaining trees, native vegetation, and improving and restoring open spaces and green infrastructure for the beneft of wildlife;
  • Working with partners and local conservation groups to improve conditions for biodiversity in the borough in accordance with the Biodiversity Action Plan/Nature Conservation Strategy; and
  • Seeking, where possible, new development to include measures to improve biodiversity and greening of the borough such as by green and brown roofs, rainwater harvesting, green walls, bird and bat nesting and roosting opportunities.

Implementation

As a major landholder of natural environmental areas in Redbridge the Council will work with the Environment Agency, Natural England and other relevant agencies and stakeholders to rehabilitate degraded areas and enhance overall environmental quality and biodiversity and to improve access for the public to enjoy natural environmental areas where this is appropriate; and

Further guidance on protecting trees and enhancing the landscape is provided in the Trees and Landscaping SPD.

For more information please see the Local Plan