Policy information sourced from Thurrock Core Strategy and Policies for Management of Development
PMD7 – BIODIVERSITY, GEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Development proposals will be required to demonstrate that any significant biodiversity habitat or geological interest of recognised local value is retained and enhanced on-site. Where it can be demonstrated that this is not possible, and there is no suitable alternative site available for the development, developers will be required to show that their proposals would mitigate any loss of biodiversity or geological interest. In circumstances where it can be demonstrated that neither retention on site nor mitigation is possible, developers will be required to provide appropriate compensation for any significant loss of biodiversity or geological interest, such that there is no overall net loss of biodiversity habitat or features of geological conservation interest in Thurrock. The Council will seek to achieve net gains in biodiversity where such gains would be possible, with particular reference to the desirability of recreating priority habitats and the recovery of priority species.
The Council will not permit development that would result in the loss, or partial loss, of a locally designated biodiversity or geological site, except in exceptional circumstances where it can be demonstrated that there is no alternative, subject to the sequential approach outlined in (1) above.
To enable the Council to determine an application which would result in a loss of biodiversity or geological value, the developer will be required to submit a detailed justification setting out:
- why the loss is considered to be unavoidable
- an assessment of what species and habitat would be lost or adversely affected as a result of development (including an ecological survey where appropriate)
- how the loss or adverse effect is proposed to be mitigated onsite through habitat restoration or creation; and/or compensated for through the acquisition and management of a suitable site within the area, or a financial contribution towards the purchase and management of such a site or management of an existing site to bring it up to a necessary standard.
Thurrock Council will require development proposals to incorporate biodiversity or geological features into the design as far as possible. These may include green roofs, brown roofs and the creation of green corridors for wildlife.
Where it is necessary to secure the biodiversity or geological interest of a development site, the Council will seek the provision and implementation of a Biodiversity or Geological Management Plan through planning obligations. The Council will evaluate development proposals and biodiversity management plans or geological management plans against recognised best practice.
Key Diagrams and Map
Map 5: Location of Strategic Biodiversity Sites
Sites will be identified in the forthcoming Thurrock Local Plan and on the Proposals Map.
For more information please see the Core Strategy and Policies for Management of Development