Policy information sourced from the Reigate & Banstead Local Plan - Development Management Plan

NHE2: Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and areas of geological importance

The following spatial designations are relevant:

  • Natura 2000 sites (including the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment SAC)
  • Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
  • Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs)
  • Potential Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (PoSNCIs)
  • Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGSs)
  • Local Nature Reserves (LNRs)
  • Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs)
  1. Internationally designated sites, (Natura 2000 sites), including the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment SAC, will be afforded the highest level of protection. Development proposals which are likely to have a significant effect on these sites, either individually or in combination with other development, must be accompanied by an Appropriate Assessment, and will only be permitted where it is demonstrated that:
    • proposed development will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the site, or
    • where adverse effects are predicted, it is demonstrated that:
      • there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest for permitting the development
      • there are no satisfactory alternative sites or solutions; and
      • any impacts will be suitably mitigated.
    • New major development on sites that may support commuting and foraging habitat (including mature vegetative linear features such as woodlands, hedgerows) within 3.5km of Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment, should have due regard to the possibility that Bechstein’s Bat will be utilising the site. Such proposals will be required to incorporate relevant surveys and ensure that key features (foraging habitat and commuting routes) are retained or appropriately mitigated, in addition to a suitable buffer to safeguard against disturbance.
    • Proposals for improved countryside access which would divert recreational pressure away from the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment SAC, particularly those parts which are subject to overuse, will be supported, subject to the wider protection of biodiversity interest features.
  2. Development likely to have an adverse effect on the special interest features of a SSSI will only be permitted where it is demonstrated that the benefits of the development in that location clearly outweigh the impacts on the special interest feature and on the national network of SSSI, and any impacts will be suitably mitigated.
  3. Development likely to have an adverse effect upon any site designated as a SNCI, RIGS or a LNR will only be granted where:
    • the need for, and benefits of, the development on that site clearly outweigh the impacts on nature and geological conservation features and community value; and
    • it is demonstrated that adequate mitigation of, or as a last resort, compensation for, the impact of the development will be put in place.
  4. Development within or affecting PoSNCIs will require an assessment to identify the ecological and nature conservation value of the site and the environmental impact of the proposed development, prepared by a specialist consultant or other competent body. If this assessment identifies that the site contains features that align with the Surrey SNCI selection criteria then the conditions of clause 3 above must be met.
  5. Throughout the borough, and especially within BOAs, development proposals will be expected to:
    • retain and enhance other valued priority habitats and features of biodiversity importance; and
    • be designed, wherever possible, to achieve a net gain in biodiversity. Where a development will impact on a priority habitat or species, or protected species, and mitigation cannot be provided on site in an effective manner, developers may be required to offset the loss by contributing to appropriate biodiversity projects elsewhere, in a location agreed with the Council.
  6. Development opportunities where the primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity will be considered favourably.

For more information please see the Reigate & Banstead Development Management Plan