Policy information sourced from the Sutton Local Plan 2016-2031

26: Biodiversity

a. The council will protect and enhance Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, Green Corridors and biodiversity. It will ensure the restoration of Beddington Farmlands is completed to the agreed quality and implement its Biodiversity Action Plan and agri-environment schemes. Major new development should result in no net loss in biodiversity value, as assessed against the DEFRA biodiversity offsetting metric, the Environment Bank Biodiversity Impact Calculator or any metric which the council subsequently adopts formally. New development should incorporate opportunities to enhance biodiversity, wherever possible.

b. The council will grant permission for developments that create, conserve or enhance biodiversity and improve access to nature, subject to other policies in the plan. In particular, the council will support the creation of:

  • 1 hectare of new woodland.
  • 2 hectares of new chalk grassland at suitable locations.
  • Various habitat enhancements identified through the council’s Biodiversity Action Plan and the Catchment Plans for the River Wandle and Beverley Brook.

c. The council will not grant planning permission within or adjacent to a SINC where there would be a damaging impact on the nature conservation value or integrity of the site, unless:

  1. the need for and the benefits of the development clearly outweigh the harm.
  2. where there are no reasonable alternative sites that would result in less harm.
  3. where development can demonstrate no net loss for biodiversity and, where possible, net gains for biodiversity by providing mitigation and/or compensation measures.

d. The council will not grant planning permission for development within a Green Corridor where there would be a significant damaging impact to the corridor, unless the need for and benefits of the development clearly outweigh the harm and where development can demonstrate no net loss for biodiversity by providing mitigation and/or compensation measures.

e. The council will grant planning permission for development provided that the development will not adversely affect the integrity and biodiversity of the Banstead Downs SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) adjacent to the London Borough of Sutton.

For Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation and Green Corridors, see Appendix 6, Maps 6.1 to 6.66 and Policies Map.

For more information please see the Local Plan 2016-2031