Policy information sourced from Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan

LP 15 Biodiversity

  • The Council will protect and enhance the borough’s biodiversity, in particular, but not exclusively, the sites designated for their biodiversity and nature conservation value, including the connectivity between habitats. Weighted priority in terms of their importance will be afforded to protected species and priority species and habitats including National Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Other Sites of Nature Importance as set out in the Biodiversity Strategy for England, and the London and Richmond upon Thames Biodiversity Action Plans. This will be achieved by:
    • protecting biodiversity in, and adjacent to, the borough’s designated sites for biodiversity and nature conservation importance (including buffer zones), as well as other existing habitats and features of biodiversity value;
    • supporting enhancements to biodiversity;
    • incorporating and creating new habitats or biodiversity features, including trees, into development sites and into the design of buildings themselves where appropriate; major developments are required to deliver net gain for biodiversity, through incorporation of ecological enhancements, wherever possible;
    • ensuring new biodiversity features or habitats connect to the wider ecological and green infrastructure networks and complement surrounding habitats;
    • enhancing wildlife corridors for the movement of species, including river corridors, where opportunities arise; and
    • maximising the provision of soft landscaping, including trees, shrubs and other vegetation that support the borough-wide Biodiversity Action Plan.
  • Where development would impact on species or a habitat, especially where identified in the relevant Biodiversity Action Plan at London or local level, or the Biodiversity Strategy for England, the potential harm should:
    • firstly be avoided (the applicant has to demonstrate that there is no alternative site with less harmful impacts),
    • secondly be adequately mitigated; or
    • as a last resort, appropriately compensated for.

For more information please see the Local Plan